Saturday 23 May 2015 19:59, UK
The boys are back and ready to tear into each other once more as they go head-to-head with their Super League predictions.
On the pitch, Barrie McDermott and Terry O'Connor liked nothing better than tearing into the opposition.
They may have hung up their boots but that competitive streak still runs strong and we have found a way to channel their energies.
Each week they will give their predictions for the Super League games; they will score one point for a win and if they both pick the winner, then the pundit with the closest score gets an extra point.
Last year, McDermott pipped O'Connor to the title, and although Terry demanded a recount, he finally conceded that Barrie was the rightful winner.
Let battle commence!
Current standings
BARRIE - 63
TERRY - 69
Terry says: Castleford are coming off a loss in the Challenge Cup and I expect a response from them this weekend. On average across the season they've scored 27 points per game at home, so they know they're capable of scoring points, they just need to defend a bit better. In their game against Hull FC there were a few uncharacteristically poor performances which let them down overall.
This week Huddersfield welcome back Brett Ferres, who is a hugely influential figure for them. They're a team that are good with or without the ball - they're the only side to have conceded less than 200 points in Super League overall this season. The last time these two teams met Huddersfield smashed Castleford 22-0, and I'm expecting there to be a reaction form the Tigers this week.
Prediction: People are predicting that it will be easy for Huddersfield but I don't think it will be. I'm going with a Giants win, but by 8 points.
Barrie says: Paul Anderson has talked about his side letting themselves down and I agree - they need to get to get back to their very high standards. The best defence in Super League was destroyed by a Leeds attack that produced eight tries in what was previously an impenetrable Giants line. That said there are plenty of motivational factors here, none bigger than the returning former Tigers players Danny Brough, Kyle Wood, Brett Ferres and Luke Robinson - not to mention Jasmie Ellis.
Castleford have had a 50% return this year and will want to increase that win-to-loss ratio and will have the memory of the 19-0 loss to Wigan right at the front of their memory banks. They need to start big and get stuck into the Giants who love to get that roll on and rotate their big men to keep them full of energy. The triumvirate of both teams is critical if they are to win; Roberts, Gale and Milner must outplay their Huddersfield counterparts.
Prediction: Huddersfield will have too much - Giants to win by 12.
Terry says: Salford turned over Wigan in a brilliant victory at the AJ Bell, but since then they've lost four in a row. It's difficult playing for Salford at a time like this because the rumours are doing the rounds about coaches getting the chop, which is never easy. The club has bemoaned the lack of fans but the fans that are arriving are some of the most passionate in the league - hopefully all this off the field stuff has been kept away from the players.
Warrington weren't really tested last week but they won't have been too happy with the performance overall. They have enough strike power to beat any team, with the likes of Daryl Clark and co - nobody's going to mess with them. But in reality they've flattered to deceive and seven wins from 14 games is not good enough for this squad. In addition the Salford boys will relish the chance to turn over the ‘bigger’ club in front of the cameras, which is why I’m predicting a Salford win.
Prediction: Salford by six points.
Barrie says: Salford will be looking to arrest their five-match losing slump when they entertain Warrington at the AJ Bell Stadium. And they will also be aiming to deny Warrington a seventh consecutive win over the Red Devils, whose last win in this fixture was by 48-24 in 2012.
Iestyn Harris will be hoping that he has some of his long-term absentees back to assist in the quest to get away from the dreaded bottom-four. Cory Paterson’s suspension is completed but Rangi Chase has not yet served his time.
Prediction: Warrington to win by 4 points.
Terry says: Catalans only just managed to beat Featherstone by three points in the Challenge Cup which for me says they’ve used up their get out of jail card for the season. They were forced to defend hard against the smaller boys, which will have taken it out of them too. They will be hoping for a full squad to pick from. Wigan will need to play smart rugby in Perpignan.
If Shaun Wane is going to communicate anything to his players it will be that they need to cut out the penalties and mistakes. He will know that his side can win if they keep the rugby simple. Catalans will be physical and will fight fire with fire, but it won’t be enough for them to win the game if Wigan focus on getting the basics right.
Prediction: I’m going to go with a Wigan win by 12 points.
Barrie says: The Dragons were below par against Featherstone in the Challenge Cup and Wigan were beaten by Hull KR. It could be a good thing for Wigan. They are second in the table but have lost too many games away from home and this could be the perfect way to get that balance back in their favour.
Out of 24 games between these two teams, the honours are shared when played in France. When they play at Catalans, its five wins to the Dragons to go with five losses and one draw.
Prediction: I am going to go with a draw here.
Hull FC v Saints
Terry: Hull FC by 8
Barrie: Saints by 14
Leeds v Hull KR
Terry: Leeds by 10
Barrie: Leeds by 8
Wakefield v Widnes
Terry: Widnes by 12
Barrie: Widnes 18
