Friday 27 March 2015 10:42, 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 - 27
TERRY - 33
Barrie says: Salford are a difficult team to call sometimes but at home, they have been really steady. We have seen what they can do when they are on the front foot and can really play some lovely rugby league football. Playing at home is a real advantage for them, although they are coming up against a side who are just full of confidence. Widnes were missing quite a few players - none as important as Kevin Brown but they still managed to beat Hull KR after going behind. They showed a lot of character in that win and are a formidable side. I think Aaron Heremaia has been a really good signing for them and has made a big difference and has given them some leadership and guidance.
Prediction: A very close contest, but I am going for Widnes to win by eight.
Terry says: Over the years, these encounters have been pretty entertaining and I am expecting another tight game. Salford have got size and skill plus they have some real hard grafters like Tommy Lee, who came up with 51 tackles and keeps everything really tight. Widnes are busted at the moment; they have lost their starting backrow and Kevin Brown is not there to pull the strings. However, Widnes came up with a gutsy 80-minute performance last weekend against Hull KR. That game went down to the very last play of the game and they managed to win it - in the past, they have lost those sorts of games. I think Widnes will go out there and try and smash them up the middle and try to keep the likes of Rangi Chase from doing too much with the ball.
Prediction: I'm going for an upset here - Widnes to win by six points.
Barrie says: Hull KR can certainly score tries but what is letting them down is their lack of focus. Their coach Chris Chester would have worked them hard this week to get them to really focus on this game. St Helens demolished Warrington - it looked close but as soon as Warrington looked to challenge, then Saints just kicked on. Jon Wilkin is in fine form - he gets a lot of questions regarding his credentials as a half-back as he has made his name as a second rower, but from his Hull KR days he was a half-back and has always had that superb kicking game. He was sensational for Saints against Warrington and has all the tools.
Prediction: Tough to look past a Saints side who are so mentally tough. A high-scoring game but I'm going for a 10-point win for Saints.
Terry says: Hull KR are undefeated in the last seven home games against Saints, which bodes well for them, but it’s going to be a huge ask. They certainly can score tries - only Leeds and Saints are ahead of them in tries scored in Super League this season. The one thing that Hull KR need to address is how they start games. They start off far too slow and in five out of the six games they have played this year, they have been behind at half time. They cannot afford to do that against Saints. Saints have some big men who produce a really good platform for them to attack from and are just brimming with confidence.
Prediction: While Hull KR start off slow, Saints start off quickly and if they get their heads up early on, then this could be a good win for Saints. Saints by 10.
Barrie says: Catalans are a different side at home than they are away, and I think they will be really up for this game - and they will really look forward to hosting Leeds. They have lost Todd Carney but the half-back pairing of Scott Dureau and Thomas Bosc are as good as any half-back pairings out there. Leeds are in great form at the moment. Adam Cuthbertson has brought a different dimension to Leeds - he can pass before the line and through the line. It is difficult for defensive lines to get back and defend because he can pop that ball at any time. History is with Leeds - they have won 17 of the 22 games these two have played.
Prediction: A very entertaining game but I think Leeds will win this one - a quick smash and grab with an eight-point victory.
Terry says: We are waiting for Catalans to turn things around and show the type of form we saw from them last season - I am not sure that this is that game though. Their defensive record at the moment is really poor and not what a side aiming for the top eight should be producing. They need all their stars playing and performing and I think it will be tough for them against Leeds. Adam Cuthbertson has been getting all the plaudits this week and rightly so - his work rate is enormous. In the league he has got the most carries, the most offloads and the fifth most tackles! That is incredible.
Prediction: I don't think Catalan will have an answer for what Cuthbertson will offer for Leeds and am predicting a big win. Leeds by 24 points.
Castleford v Hull
Barrie: Cas by 12
Terry: Hull by 8
Warrington v Huddersfield
Barrie: Warr by 10
Terry: Warr by 12
Wigan v Wakefield
Barrie: Wigan by 18
Terry: Wigan by 20
