The most experienced 17 he could pick I guess.

Like most I would have preferred almost anyone to Kirke but I didn't see Saturday's game so his 6 carries for an average of 4 metres per carry must have impressed McDermott more than Singleton's 16 carries for an average of 6 metres per carry. In fairness 6 carries is an increased workload for Kirke.

Kirke has had 1 good game this year just 1 his selection proves that the Coach clearly has "favourites" who can do no wrong I hope the other 16 manage to carry him yet again.

Whilst I too would have Singleton in over Kirke.....

.....if by how the responses have been so far to the named 17, where Kirke is the biggest/sole issue for most fans then we really aren't doing too bad.

A sub prop who'll come on and hardly do huge minutes and is usually defensively sound (note the word SOUND, not great, fantastic or amazing....sound) but won't carry the ball much. Given that people have complained we cart the ball down the middle too much and don't spread it wide to Watkins etc. then really is Kirke's inclusion really that big an issue?

And before people jump and say it's a defence of Kirke (like I said he wouldn't make my 17) is it really all that bad? Note that McDermott asks a different role of Kirke/Singleton. For all the 'favouritism' of Kirke he was a sub and Singleton was a starter (which he's had a few goes at this year). Singleton is seen IMO as an attacking prop, Kirke a defending prop.....comparing the two at times when it's obvious they have different roles expected of them even if both are classified as 'props' is flawed.

Kirke is seen as never having let the side down in the biggest games, and three coaches have picked him on the bench in those games for that reason.

His selection speaks a lot more to the lack of faith in potential replacements - and that in itself is an indictment of the quality of the other options.

I think they will win - law of averages alone suggests they can keep losing!!

This has been a great side that deserves to win at least one CC final - fingers crossed

Indeed! It does make you wonder why McDermott would state that 'bench places are up for grabs' giving hope to the likes of Singleton, Achurch, Ward etc when he had obviously already made up his mind.

The defence always seems to be that Kirke is "safe and dependable" and "does not make mistakes"....even if true that is an indictment in itself. Don't enthuse; don't engage; avoid the ball....and hey you will get a place at Wembley. But it's not true: Kirke has been far from 'safe and dependable' in his more recent matches if my memory serves me well. Warrington away immediately springs to mind....

Rhinoms is correct: McDermott has his favourites (Keinhorst at Wembley). He makes the selections....including when to make the subs ....and that is why the buck must always stop with the coach. He was responsible for the debacles of Wakefield, Bradford and London; he should take the criticism or plaudits here too.

Got to feel sorry for the likes of Singleton/Achurch/Ward etc though.

I believe Leeds will win too...the players are more focused than ever on winning this one: witness the recent contrast in league form as opposed to the Warrington cup game. We also have Hardaker at FB so no more Joel Tomkins type tries

People can slag Kirke off all they want but no one can deny Kirke doesn't make mistakes, especially in these massive games. That warrants selection. You need a very high completion rate with the basics done to a very high standard and that is what Kirke gives you. Yes Achurch can damage the line better, as can Singleton but I'd be much more comfortable with Kirke in there, especially when all the forwards were rested last week.

Kirke doesn't make mistakes in big games, only if you ignore Wembley 2010.

All the best for Saturday from a Leigh Centurions supporter have a great day.....

Think Mac has played the early announcement of his 17 well. in other words 'forget London game, its all about this.'

Would probably have gone with Achurch instead of Sutcliffe, but what do I know? Hopefully Sutcliffe has a blinder and wins it for us just to prove how little I know.

How do you know about what he said in his pre-Broncos team-talk?!

Ref announced as Phil Bentham. What do we think?