Eddie Hemmings commentates on his final match for Sky Sports today when Wigan take on St Helens - and he has been the voice synonymous with summer rugby league.
I know he was involved before that, but when Super League came in it brought a glitz and glamour to the sport and as a commentator Eddie embodied that.
The best compliment that I can give him is that there have been some wonderful moments in Super League, and his commentary has often enhanced them and made them stand-out pieces of sporting history.
I was involved in one of those when he described the “Wide to West” winner for St Helens against Bradford in 2000, and working in the media now I can see how good Eddie’s descriptive ability is.
His long-serving producer Neville Smith is also leaving Sky after today, and behind every good front of house there’s a great back.
Meet Morgan Smithies - The talented Wigan teenager tackling Super League head on
Neville has brought some superb innovations to the sport, the one he can be most proud of being the video referee, which has transcended rugby league and been introduced by other sports.
Both men have a huge affinity for the game and I know it’s not just been work for them, they love the sport.
As for the matches themselves, Saints are big favourites against Wigan.
I always think that when you’ve had a big emotional game the week before - as St Helens did against Warrington - it can be hard to get yourself up for next one.
But they had that match put to bed with 30 minutes left so they should be reasonably fit and fresh for it.
Wigan’s very best can match and beat St Helens, but I just can’t see that 80-minute performance in them at the moment.
Before that we’ve got the Hull derby - a match that divides a city.
It’ll be a close game - Gareth Ellis and Danny McGuire are the key players and whichever one has the bigger influence will finish on the winning side.
Leeds-Huddersfield is huge for both clubs, but I think the Rhinos have been stung by their abject display at Hull KR and they own the fans a performance so this could bring the best out of them.
Warrington will also be looking for a reaction from their St Helens defeat and I expect to see that against Salford.
Since Steve Price has been in charge the Wolves have become a far more gritty side - I don’t think they showed it against Saints but they should have too much for the Red Devils.
- Betfred - Passionate about Super League
