It's nice to get a "key" fixture, out of the way, so early in the season.
Wigan's new halfs (hopefully) wont have "gelled" by then, plus, they've lost Carmont and Hock (injury). They are big losses for them. We'll (again hopefully) go into the game with the same side that won last year's CC and got to the GF.
But, as someone said earlier, it's only two points, and there's another 25 rounds left, before the real fun and games begin. Mr Smith will (again, hopefully) take the two points, and move on. Us species will enjoy the bragging rights for a fortnight or so, and wave it in their faces. BUT, there's no point in beating your local rivals in their own back yard, if you're going to put in "performances" like Salford and London, last season. Some "gentle tinkering" with our matchday 17 will help, not resting many players for the same game.
Bar SL's Super Tries, and last season's review (on Sky), I haven't seen a second of RL, since the GF, but I'm just starting to get excited for the season ahead. Bring it on.