Super League's kick-off a step in the right direction – now prove it can last

And other than the sub-zero temperatures that saw many journalists’ knees chattering and a competition to see who wore the most layers (I reached five), the early signs are encouraging.

Two of the three matches this journalist attended – St Helens v Wigan and Warrington v Leeds – felt like genuinely big occasions.

The other, Huddersfield v Salford, saw a crowd increase of more than 1,000 on the corresponding regular season fixture last season.

Most impressive performance came from the Wolves, who despatched Leeds 26-6 as new Rhinos boss David Furner found out just how far they have to catch up to be truly considered title contenders.

That match also saw the best individual performance of the round in Stefan Ratchford, who was excellent at full-back as he ended up with a 14-point haul.

Biggest impact from a newcomer? St Helens will be delighted with the way Kevin Naiqama slotted into their side and along with Lachlan Coote, should more than compensate for the loss of disgraced Ben Barba.

And they are the only people to benefit for the full-back’s shameful alleged assault that saw him sacked by North Queensland Cowboys, de-registered by the NRL and effectively told by the Rugby Football League to not bother looking for a route back over here as the transfer fee had already been banked.

But like so many things in rugby league, the immediate question is, ‘What next?’

Super League boss Robert Elstone talked about sell-out crowds and a record aggregate attendance at Easter. He did not get any full houses – the closest to one coming at Hull KR v Hull FC – but SunSport has had its calculator out.

Take the six games in 2018 and compare them to 2019 and 68 fewer people came through the gates this year.

However, compare the same regular season matches to last year – replacing Widnes v Wakefield with London's brilliant win over Wakefield because of the Vikings’ relegation – and there is an increase of 222.

Now the hard work really starts as many of those who were away are now at home, notably Wigan, Hull FC, who play Castleford tonight, Catalans Dragons and early leaders Salford.

Much is made of the Red Devils’ supposed financial problems – ie, they do not have any money – but to say people are working hard behind the scenes is doing them a disservice.

They have moved their home matches to Sunday which may not be helped by Manchester City’s game with Chelsea being moved to 4pm for TV but the AJ Bell Stadium is nine miles away and, apologies any Blue who lives round there, in a United heartland.

So anything above 3,200 for the match against London will be just reward for the hard work that goes in, often thanklessly.

Super League almost became in danger of breaching trading standards as it was anything but. However, with the kick up the backside it sorely needed having been delivered the first impressions certainly offered hope.

But things are truly judged on more than just first impressions.

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