Difficult one. Your logic is good re Clarkson's tackling (and stamina) but I rather think Achurch offers better range of cover from the bench (Most forward positions and backs too) Pity as I like Singleton's direct running style but in this game experience will be important.

I know prior to the Saints match JJB was quoted in the YEP saying

[iMy knee is a bit sore, but I’m hopeful I’ll be okay. If I can get through it and we get the win, then I will definitely be better for the semi-final from having some more minutes under my belt.[/i

To say it was sore going into the Saints game then going off 25 mins into the match, it would be a big gamble to play him this week. After doing it the hard way against Saints it will take a massive effort to get over this Wigan pack, even more so if JJB goes off injured again.

Both he and Delaney are in the 19 as they want to give them every chance to get fit. As of yesterday Delaney looks like making it but JJB unlikely. However our medics have magic sponges so you never know.

Both are such important members of the team that it will be hard without either.

I hope Delaney is fitter than he has been for the last two games.

The bench IMO has lots of options anyway:

Bails and Kirke (prop/second row/'loose')

Sutcliffe (halves - looose - second row)

Can cover a few bases.

The likelihood is either Achurch/Singleton are likely to get one stint from the bench, so depends what Mac wants from that stint.

Can't afford to play players not 100% fit.

We can't be losing interchanges early in the game. We got away with it against saints....just.

If JJb and delaney aren't 100% then in come clarkson and singleton. Looking at the last few weeks i don't see how JJb and delaney can possibly make a 100% for this game.

If they play then there'll be a huge risk they'll have to go off injured IMO.

You take a risk every time you cross the street, or stick your face in a fan.

I agree, and that is why i would play both.They won't be 100%, but who is at this time of year? Now is not the time for caution and holding back, we need our best side on the field if it is not to be our last game of the season.

I would have Clarkson on the bench though as cover for either if they do break down early, he has the engine to do a big stint if one of those players cannot return.

You do therefore its about minimising the risks.

Thank you Doctor. But spare a thought for the coach who has to make these huge decisions. He knows the importance of JJB and Delaney even for half a game and has to balance risk. That doesn't mean playing unfit players but come kick off time they may have passed the fitness tests. Playing reserves is no gurantee that they too will not fall to injury. Tough game, tough decisions.

Delaney's first carry against saints he juggled the ball and almost knocked on, and within 5 minutes he was limping and blowing out of his ar$e. To me playing him can't have been a 'caculated risk'. He blatantly wasn't fit. Only delaneys iron will, heart and mental toughness allowed him to carry on as long as he did and imagine it's those type of attributes which persuade mcdermott to take these type of risks.

But a player 80% fit will have far more chance of breaking down in a game than a player 100% fit, rugby league is an unforgiving game.

jonesy was walking with a distinct limp on tuesday so his chances aren't looking good although an extra 3 days treatment may do the trick hopefully

if either delaney or jjb arent fully fit then they shouldn't be risked

With how much JJB and Delaney throw everything into the pot....I wouldn't be surprised to see both play.

Have they got one (or hopefully 2) big efforts left in the tank?

even harder if it leaves us with only 2 bench spots for the rest of the game

That and anyone else who picks up a knock. It's too much to risk IMO. Clarkeson and singo are good enough. We still have Ablett as a 1st choice and he's in great form. I hope McD doesn't put them in and hope for the best.

It's time to cash in and reap the benefits we've banked from the experience some lads have gained through our injuries this season.

I'd rather that then miss out because we took a chance and didn't trust our squad.