McGuire’s try completed his hat-trick and there were also touch downs for Ben Jones-Bishop and, almost inevitably, Scott Donald, with Kevin Sinfield kicking six goals in the 36-26 victory. Harlequins’ experienced pair of Danny Orr and Henry Paul scored a brace of tries apiece with one for Tony Clubb with Paul kicking three goals.

The hottest weekend of the year so far saw points scoring rise in line with the thermometer in all the ties. The 50 points scored in the Widnes Vikings and Hull FC tie (32-18 to the visitors) being the lowest.

It was also a weekend when rugby league gets goodly exposure on terrestrial television. With satellite television having the final games of football’s and rugby union’s premiership, the BBC was somewhat lacking in sport to present. The televised games – St Helens v Warrington Wolves on Saturday and Hull KR v Huddersfield Giants on Sunday – saw the home teams through by virtue of late scoring bursts. Warrington again managed to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory against Saints, a side that is gradually recovering from its early season vulnerability.

Hull KR’s professional performance was no surprise and it is difficult to realise that only two years ago they were a National League side pulling off a major shock as they beat Warrington.

And for once, let’s give a bit of credit to the BBC because they made a pretty good job of it. The camera work is not quite as slick as that of Sky, but it is a vast improvement on the quality of a couple of years ago.

And Claire Balding has grown in stature as the anchorperson. The enthusiasm she brought from the start is now supported by a better understanding of the game – that is not being patronising, Ms Balding gives the impression that she has worked very hard to grasp the nuances and has become a proponent of rugby league.

Robbie Paul is a good capture and is developing his style and Brian Noble is always worth listening to. The more measured commentary of Dave Woods contrasts nicely with the heart on his sleeve approach of Ray French, while Jonathan Davies remains as knowledgeable as ever. If the BBC can keep this team together – which is somewhat dependent on Wigan’s progress in the competition – its coverage can only continue to improve.

Meanwhile, it’s back to Super League action this weekend, with the Rhinos taking on Wakefield Trinity Wildcats at Headingley on Friday. Wakefield have pulled off some surprises at Headingley down the years, the Rhinos should have the confidence to see off the challenge.