Smith and JJB out,

Peteru and Newman into the 19 along with the same 17 from the Wire game.

.

Walker
Briscoe
Watkins
Hurrell
Handley
Lolohea
Myler
Cuthbertson
Parcell
Singleton
Ward
Merrin
Dwyer
Sutcliffe
Ferres
Peteru
Oledzki
Donaldson
Newman

Wonder if Newman has been added to the squad cos Hurrell is doubtful? Just a thought. I can see Hurrell been the new Tonie Carroll unfortunately.

No Cam Smith again........(big sigh).

And no Crosby and Ablett either.
Could be another long night.

We were also heading for only our third nilling in 22 years until a very strong effort from Ward in the dying minutes. Warrington missed chances too, I'm not a fan of "if only" thinking.
As a performance, what we showed against Warrington were the SAME weaknesses which made us uncompetitive last year. The reason for that is because we haven't been able to replace enough players in one off-season, no matter the sterling work I'm sure Sinfield and Furner are putting in. The reason for THAT is that IMO Gary Hetherington has been way too tight with signings for way too long, and the club has seriously misjudged the lengths of contracts given to inadequate players, leaving us no room to move now. He has done many things really well at Leeds, but deserves criticism in this area.
If we do finish mid-high table you are right it will be a successful season given where the squad is at, and that's certainly possible but NOT if our pack keeps getting monstered like Warrington demonstrated. If we keep getting swamped in the middle this season will be much worse than you seem to expect. When and if I see us hold the middle and set a platform for the better players we do have, then I'll feel more positive.
I may seem pessimistic but remember that it's the optimists who die most quickly in a prison camp. Check out Admiral James Stockdale.

From that team I’d go:

1. Walker
2. Briscoe
3. Watkins
4. Hurrell
5. Handley
6. Lolohea
7. Myler
8. Cuthbertson
9. Parcell
10. Oledzki
11. Merrin
12. Ferres
13. Ward

14. Dwyer
15. Singleton
16. Peteru
17. Donaldson

I'm with you Marty, Cam Smith should be in the 17. His defence might be a little suspect but Sutcliffe isn't stellar in this area either, and I think Smith is the better player (in the back row certainly). Although to be fair Sutcliffe went OK against Warrington.

I wouldn't be surprised if Hurrell misses a game or two - it's hard with big money players because you want them out on the field, but I'm sure the club will do the right thing by him if he's not fit.

We really could do with having Crosby available.

I am worried if we sit back and give Wigan the space we gave Warrington, this one could be painful. Neither of our halves look great in defence. I think our pack has more to give; Oledzki had very little go-forward against Warrington, we need him to be making impact at the defensive line, he can't be going missing. I'd fancy my own chances of averaging 5m per carry, although I'd need a stint in hospital afterwards.

I'm hoping more Tuigamala than Carroll but we'll see! TC was great when he was fit but yes you can see the similarities.

Looks about right. Ferres and Singleton didn't really impress me much last week (nor Oledzki, but I think he can do better). Interested what Furner goes with - you'd like to think there will be a tweak or two from last week as the pack wasn't right.

Wouldn't be surprised if Furner continues with Merrin at prop but hopefully with Peteru being available it gives him the option of playing him in the back row.

Yep i think most of us are disapointed Smith is not getting a gig , we need to find out if he is good enough , we already know others are not ( Ferris , Sutty and Peteru )

Think Ferres will be in his last year this year, Sutcliffe and Peteru have this season to show they’re worth a spot.
Furner is probably deciding between Sutcliffe and Smith and going for Sutcliffe for now; not sure you’d have them both in the pack at the same time when we have lots of senior back rowers including new marquee.

Let’s be honest here, Koni isn’t playing is he?

Another tonking on the cards with young Newman getting absolutely brayed down that side.