JJB did ok on his return and needs the game time. In a knock out semi final it would be a bigger risk to play Ward instead of JJB for this game. If we have a back rower with any injury niggle then play Ward but otherwise bring him back for the super 8s. You have a short memory Sal. Burrow still offers more positives for this game as he demonstrated recently when he provided the magic to save us a point against Wigan until Aiton stupidly gave it away again

He was just as influential the following year against Wire sparking our comeback when we were behind late on. Even as recently as the Wigan game which we lost on the last play, it was his moment of magic, sitting Tony Clubb on his booty who had just creamed him twice, on his way to what should have given us a point. He may not be the player he was but he is still a capable match winner and game breaker.Absolutely vital bench player in a big game still, and i will wager the last man the Saints players would want to see coming on for the last 15 minutes if it is close.

Maybe so. But if he has a place its for games like this. Wigan I wouldn't play him against but I'm not sure the benefit we get by throwing another forward in against that huge saints pack.

Burrow offers something a bit different. Used correctly, he can still make an impact. More so than a 4th forward who BMD doesn't trust to bring on

I'm nervous about this with the quick turnaround but we were able to give moon and McGuire a week off and peacock only played twenty minutes so those three should be fresh, as should briscoe. I'd definitely have burrow on the bench he can still be very effective against a big tiring pack and like most of our key players rob always turns up on the big occasion. If ward is 100% Id include him at the cost of JJB although if hes not totally fit Id rather he was rested until the super 8s. JJB is an adequate replacement. We have something of an embarrassment of riches when the entire squad (excluding sutcliffe) is fit and available.

Doesn't sound particularly convincing for Ward's chances.....

Brian McDermott told a press conference on Monday that Ward still remains a doubt. He commented, "He's 50-50 for this weekend. It's more of a doubt than a positive. But, with the form he's been in and the type of player he is for us, I'm willing to give him until the 11th hour. We're not confident but we won't write him off just yet."

Doubt anything he said means anything. Not going to give away team selection before the game.
Just stating that Ward thinks he is ready and that he will be given a chance to prove it.

Personally I don't think he will be risked even if he is 90% there. I would prefer him in if fit but I still think last bench spot will go to Burrow.

Despite some suggesting a 4 forward bench I'm certain Burrow will be on the bench. If Ward makes it I'd actually take a guess on Singleton the one to miss out.

Leuluai
Aiton
Peacock
Ablett
Delaney
Cuthbertson

Burrow
Garbutt
JJB
Ward

THANK GOD!!!! Ben Thaler is the referee on Friday, the other semi have got Silverwood.

"IF" Stevie Ward is "FULLY" fit then he starts for me and the side Mac will pick will be IMO

Hardaker
Briscoe Watkins Moon Hall
Sinfield McGuire
Leuluai Aiton Peacock
Ablett Ward
Cuthbertson

Burrow Delaney Garbutt JJB/Singleton

If Ward isn't fit to play then i reckon Delaney starts in his place

I personally would take a risk and leave Burrow out of the 17 if all of these 18 players are available for selection

Ward IS fit. And he's not a bench player. I think we all agree on positions 1-11. 12 Ward 13 Cuthbertson. Bench Bench: Burrow, Delaney, JJB, Garbutt. (Poor Singo)