So, an early top of the table clash. Everything seemed to go our way yesterday as far as results go and if we beat Hudds this week, Saints beat Warrington and Catalan and Wigan draw we will be top with a game in hand. Our D has been good this season so far, which is very un-Leeds like early on. Hudds will be hurting after yesterdays defeat to the Bulls though. I reckon they will come back strong and it will be a low scoring, good game.

Leeds by 6

Conceding an average of 14 per game so I've read. Much improved on previous years.

11.5 on my count. We'd have to to concede 34 in our game in hand to lose the best "against" in the league tag.

Got a feeling that McDermott might experiment with this one and put out the following team:

Watson
Chisholm / Briscoe
Watkins
Moon
Hall
McGuire
Burrow

Delaney
Hood
Peacock
JJB
Ward
Sinfield

Kylie
Ablett
Bailey
Clarkson

McShane
Singleton

No chance. He'll be wanting to lay a marker down through this run of games. Bailey back, maybe Achurch. Moore and one of Clarkson/Ward to drop out if Achurch does play. If not, then just prop for prop.

I would give Achurch a couple of games for hunslet to get some decent minutes under his belt.

I wouldn't drop Moore after his effort last week. His good performance should be rewarded with another performance. That would send a clear message across.

I'd keep Clarkson and Ward too but I think Achurch will be good for us in the future. I have seen signs of a good player here and there. He's just not used to playing this level week in, week out.

Bloodbath. Who would you drop for Bails? I thought Kirke was better than Moore against Saints. We need a big pack against the Giants too.

Agreed.

I thought he made some good yards when he came on and was good in defence.

If Bailey is fit i would drop Clarkson out of the 17.I like clarkson and think he looks much improved and has bulked up well.But he is a 60 to 80 minute grafter and not the 10-15 minute impact player we are using him as at the moment.May aswell have a bench full of big lads for this game and match fire with fire.

I saw Achurch pictured in Hunslet kit and he did not look pleased.It may fire him up.I think Moore deserves a run.Giants will be hurting,but Leeds by 8

Wherever I read it, they've got it wrong. But definitely much improved.

if we play like the last 2 rounds you will put 50 past us.

no respect for possesion of the ball at the giants at the moment.

will still be looking for a result like the last 2 visits though

Can't see why Achurch would be pished off? Plenty of our other 1st teamers have been dual registered to try and up participation and game time. He'll be back.

Think the only change will see Bailey come in (probably for Moore).

I think strongest available is still required to avoid playing catch-up again like previous years.

Hudds - H
Wigan - H
Wakey - A
Bradford - H
Catalans - A (Easter Monday)
Wire - H
London - H
HKR - A
Bradford - A
Saints - H
Wigan - MW
Hull - A
.........................

Castleford - H
Widnes - H
Hudds - A
Widnes - A
Wire - A
Wakey - H
London - A
Salford - A
HKR - H
Catalans - H
Wigan - A

It'll be tough because of the effort required for the WCC but if we can still keep to a 'reasonable' level for the next 12 Rounds (and pick up a decent chunk of wins) then the following 11 don't look too bad, especially Rounds 22-26. Any possible squad rotation looks better suited in the 2nd group of games IMO.

Defence at the moment is looking ok, hopefully the attack clicks a bit more in the final 20m. If we're able to run in 5/6 tries we should win.