If we win then it doesnt matter who bluey plays it will have been the right decision(s). Personally i would pick clarkson and burrow and leave out kirke and donald especially as Ambler seems to be out of favour for whatever reason as i think he has played well this season.

Couldn't agree more, excellent observation. The whole team looks better with the three playmakers back in their natural role. Burrow was man of the match last week at Cas and I thought he played very well Friday night. He frustrated the hell out of Carlaw in defence. Was funny to watch.

Not only has McGuire's game improved out of sight since Burrow's return but Senior looks a lot safe defensively. Much more cohesive with our number 7 back. He's a crucial player for us.

As for Clarkson, I simply don't see how you can leave out a lad who puts in 30+ tackles and 70 plus minutes each weeek.

I'm sure the Wire players would be over the moon if Burrow was omitted.

McGuire has been the stand out Rhinos player all year - Burrow or no Burrow, the quality of his performance has little to do with Burrow's inclusion it more about his own attitude and game opportunities.

I would play Burrow but the play leading up to the play when Catalans scored and the play for the try suggests Burrow wasn't quite as good or committed as you have suggested IMO

When you say "back line" you of course mean McGuire

...He more than any other (maybe Senior) is going to be our main strike weapon in the backs especially as it looks as though Donald might be just a 'reserve' now until the end of the season.

I do agree with you that Diskin has to make way for a big bench of Eastwood, Ali, Ablett and Kirke. Not sure that will happen though.

Ablett in for Kirke IMO. No reason to drop Clarkson.

Can't see Donald getting in the way Smith played on Friday.

For me Clarkson does too much work to even consider dropping him, forget Kirke's size, Clarkson will make more tackles and more yards forward than Kirke.

Totally agree.

Agree also - but I will feel a bit sorry for Kirke. He has both improved and put in the effort. The tackle the other week at Cas really was I want to play in the cup final effort

Blueys chat to sky today was based around 2nd rowers who can play in the front 3 so maybe Clarkson might be the odd man out???

If BM is considering 2nd rowers for prop i have concerns about Baileys fitness.That would leave Leuluai and say an unfit Eastwood to start with Kirke and JJB/Ali as interchange props.We look very light in the front row if that's the case.
I don't think Clarkson will miss out.