Talking RL: Trent Robinson called for a World Club Challenge revamp. This is why I'm not hopeful...

The Australian coach wants the concept to grow, to expand, to be made a jewel in rugby league’s crown.

It could be, he thinks, so much more than what it currently is: a decent early-season match organised by and promoted by the two clubs, played at the home venue of (usually) the UK side in front of a strong, if not sold-out, attendance.

“We’re getting so close, we’ve got to keep the foot down, to make sure it’s played,” he said, after their 20-12 victory over St Helens.

“I’d like to have three here and one in Australia, it can be organised, we don’t have to decide at the end of the year.”

And, in unison, we chant, ‘Yes! Nailed it! You tell ‘em Trent!’

Maybe something will change, you wonder.

Robinson is, after all, a coaching marvel who has delivered three NRL titles – and is much-liked in this part of the world for his knowledge, respect and admiration for Super League.

Trouble is, his plea is not new.

This was from Robinson, before playing Wigan a year ago: “We have a discussion about it every year whether we should play it or not.

“It’s crazy. Let’s get it organised, let’s get it sorted and spend a few days talking about one of the greatest showcases we have in the World Club Challenge and how do we market it well and do it justice to both seasons.

“Surely some people can talk about that over two or three days and get it sorted for the future.”

This, from Robinson, before playing Wigan – in Australia – in 2014: “I think we should value it more. It’s important to re-invigorate the Australian public about the importance of the World Club Challenge.”

And what changed?

A brief attempt to expand to a World Club Series ultimately fell down – probably because the additional teams didn’t need to qualify, but were instead invited, making the matches dressed-up but entertaining friendlies.

And after Robinson's latest plea, forgive me for not being optimistic. It will lurch on, no doubt. Sold short with a varying degree of kudos, depending on who you listen to, with the Super League side hoping whoever wins the NRL Grand Final wants to take part. Which is a pity because you can't help feel it could be so much more.

Even in its early-season slot, it could be better. Maybe open the season with it, on a stand-alone weekend (last Saturday, another Super League game took place). Maybe move it to a bigger, better venue and announce it well in advance. Maybe give the clubs involved more support to market the event, as Robinson wanted.

I enjoyed Saturday’s match, and St Helens performed better than I expected. Props Luke Thompson and Alex Walmsley proved they are world class.

And before, during and after, Robinson showed he is a classy operator.

It’s a shame others don’t share his vision for the World Club.

When Wigan made a poor start last season, I was saying it was too soon to panic.

So by the same token, I won’t be making any bold predictions after a promising start.

Still, fans have every right to be happy with how things are going.

If the Warriors beat Huddersfield on Sunday, it will be their fourth win in five rounds; last season, they didn’t achieve that until round 12 on Easter Monday.

I was impressed with the way they controlled the second-half against Hull FC.

I’m liking their hunger to defend, I’m encouraged by the attacking promise and I’m excited every time Bevan French gets the ball.

If they play like that again this weekend, in an early battle of the top-two, I can’t see Huddersfield having enough to beat them.

Joe Greenwood’s loan move to Leeds is logical. It takes his wages off the salary cap but, more importantly, it gives him a chance to reclaim his best form at the top-level – something he couldn’t do if he’d stayed.

If it works out, then Wigan will have the benefit of a fit-and-firing Greenwood to welcome back in two months.

Aside from potentially giving a rival a leg-up, it’s a win-win for Wigan.

Finally, thankfully, Dom Manfredi made a successful comeback on Sunday. It was great to see him back.

Injuries are inevitable in a brutal, collision sport like rugby league, but Manfredi has had more than his share of misery.

Three successive serious knee injury lay-offs over as many years – with only 10 games squeezed in between – tells its own story.

Manfredi and Liam Marshall justfied their selection last Sunday but with Joe Burgess in the – pardon the pun – wings, it’s a nice position for Adrian Lam to be in.