To dismiss St Helens' defeat at Hull as being down to the missing Millward factor would be massively unfair on the black and whites.
It was probably the best Hull performance so far under coach John Kear and, on the back of a win over Salford and the Challenge Cup victory against Bradford, they are now the team to watch for the rest of the season.
Saints were not at their best, though.
They have an interesting game at Widnes next week, and what price Daniel Anderson being in charge for that one?
The pressure on Denis Betts is growing, but unfairly. Given a fair wind and a decent squad, you'd back Betts to grow into one of the best coaches around.
But he must feel like he's jogging through quicksand at the moment.
Defeat at Warrington turns up the heat on his position. Knee-jerk reaction or not, given Wigan's reputation for impatience it wouldn't be a surprise if they decide he needs replacing.
That would be a great shame.
 |  There was simply no case for the defence in the Wakefield v Widnes match |
If there is an argument for sticking with your coach, take a look at Warrington.
According to some fans, Paul Cullen had outstayed his welcome a couple of months ago. Now he's walking on water.
They are top-five material without a doubt and face a fascinating trip to Bradford next week.
Talking of the Bulls, how good were they in winning at Salford?
Suddenly making second or third spot doesn't seem quite as impossible for Brian Noble's team.
But Karl Harrison must be tearing his hair out at his side's defence.
It was their strongest weapon - and they've still got the third best defence in the league - but they looked very weak in that department when the Bulls charged.
There was simply no case for the defence in the Wakefield v Widnes match.
There were 81 points scored and barely a tackle of note (save for Gary Connolly's wonderful effort on Sid Domic).
But try and find a Widnes fan who cares about the number of tries conceded at the Atlantic Solutions Stadium. The win, however achieved, is priceless.
The Vikings are back off the bottom again.
And suddenly Super League's most unpredictable duo - London and Wakefield - are starting to get twitchy.
The Wildcats are only four points above safety, London a mere two.
The Broncos have at least shown an improvement in their away form in the last couple of weeks, winning at Salford in the Cup and going down to a battling defeat at Huddersfield.
But the loss to the Giants also makes it seven Super League defeats on the bounce for them.
They play Salford at home next week and then entertain Leigh.
Those two matches could be crucial. If they lose both, London are in big trouble.
Pity poor Leigh. Leeds barely got out of second gear but still posted a heavy win at The Coliseum.
Now the Centurions have the delight of going back to Headingley next week, expecting more of the same.
It's one of the barmy fixture schedules to have Leigh playing Leeds home and away in successive weeks.
Whoever fixed that one must have a sadistic sense of humour.
MMIX
E-mail this to a friend 
Printable version 
