So, it's a top of the table 4 pointer, featuring 2 teams who have been quite inconsistent the last couple of months.

What are everyone's expectations, and how are we expected to be lining up? I think my prediction for this game depends on whether Cuthbertson and McGuire play.

If McGuire and Cuthberson are available I would bring them in for Ward and Yates. Moving burrow to the bench. Other than that keep it the same.

Apparently no injuries from Friday so we"ve got that 17 + Garbutt and McGuire + Cuthbertson if fit to choose from.

Will McGuire definitely be fit to play?

Nope not definate. He'll probably be in the 19 (likewise Cuthbertson) but we'll have to wait and see if that actually means anything, as it often doesn't. I read one rumour that he'd miss 2/3 weeks, bit similar to Hardaker when he hurt his ankle.

saints looked very tired at cas and a good side would have beaten them comfortably yesterday. they looked slow and jaded. I think home advantage will swing it

And we have a Garbutt.

yes he will freshen things up

Hardaker
Handley
Watkins
Moon
Hall

Sinfield
McGuire/Burrow

Kylie
Aiton
Peacock
Ward
Delaney
Cuthbertson

Keinhorst
Singleton
Garbutt
R Ward/Burrow

I'm guessing that Garbutt will get some game time on Friday, assuming training goes well through the week. But I can't see him getting massive minutes in such a key game when he's still fresh off the plane and new to the team, set plays etc. Really looking forward to Friday, think it will be a great game.

& it's going to be warm at last.
So that means we'll probably get a thunderstorm.

Garbutt might not get long minutes, but I'm guessing he'll get more than the token 10-15 at the end of the game that the likes of Yates/Walters/Robbie Ward usually get.

He'll need to as well. If it's going to be in the mid-70s at kick-off time, there's no chance of getting long minutes out of the likes of Leuluai and Delaney who are going to be gassed after ten minutes. The coach might even consider it necessary to substitute Peacock in a big game, although only with JP's agreement obviously.

If Cuthbertson is fit then they might not be room for Garbutt in the 17. Forwards/subs could be

Cuthbertson
Aiton
Peacock
Ward
Delaney
Ablett

Burrow/R.Ward
Singleton
Leuluai
Keinhorst

Who do you drop? Leuluai has done well tbf since his return and Singleton has still been ok if not great. Do you drop him for someone still learning our plays and defence? It's not like he has a good amount of big game experience either to drop him straight into this one.

I thought Briscoe was targeting this game for his return - any news?

I reckon Garbutt'll be sitting this one out (and not as a non-playing sub). I might be tempted to start Keinhorst and bench Delaney if it's hot n humid.