It says a lot for the "on paper" strengths of the 24 squad v the 25 squad, that even allowing for our current injury absentees I don't have a clear idea what our best team would be. If O’Connor isn't fit I wonder if he might go really big on the bench and pick Holdroyd, Lisone, Jenkins and Gannon. Bentley could spell Ackers at hooker if needed, and McDonnell could move to centre if we have an injury in the 3 quarters.

If everyone in the 21 man squad is available and fit to play I’d personally go with.

1.Connor
2. ECW
3. Newman
4.Handley
5.Hall
6.Croft
7. Frawley
8. Oledzki
9. Ackers
10. Palasia
11. Bentley
12. McDonnell
13. Smith


14. O’Connor
15. Lisone
16. Gannon/ Holroyd
17. Jenkins

I personally think Arthur will go with Edgell or Lumb over ECW after his pre game comments this week

I also wouldn’t be rushing to play both Gannon and Holroyd given their injury records it’s a long season ahead

Same starting 13 .
Bench
Jenkins
Gannon
Lisone
Holroyd.
Bentley to have a short stint at hooker.

I’m expecting a tough game , Wakey defended well on Boxing Day, think will be a fairly low scoring match

Perhaps not quite as low scoring as the first half at Wigan this evening.

Hope we don’t lose 0-1

Over 1500 tickets sold by Wakey, so it should be a good game and crowd. Hopefully, the snow holds off.

I'll take Leeds by 12 but hope Mr Johnstone scores for Wakey for fantasy league reasons...

Time for action all the usual pre season bull talk ends today. We have heard it all before for last 7-8 years, let’s see if it’s for real this season.
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Whilst I don’t think the first game of the season defines the season. I really think this one might, we need to win and set a statement out. Wakey are better prepared than any promoted side for some time, but we still should be 2-3 scores better than them.

28-12 win

Fully agree RT. Looking forward to seeing more of what Brad's brought, beyond a pre season beasting. We've heard all about accountability before. Hopefully the boys really nail it this year.

I do like the fact he wants some early wins to take table pressure off and also make winning games at Headingley an absolute priority.

Hopefully we see something a bit different tactically this season, like the return of the short kick-off, and wins built on a 'passive' style of defence and long-range miracle tries. There are some 'dudes' in the team that should really excite the crowd!