If Zak was a doubt for the game then surely Ash Golding would have been promoted to the squad. After last week's training run I expect Leeds to come out and secure the LLS on Friday night and leave Saints worrying about their qualification for the play-offs.

Interestingly, Handley played full-back for the 19s at Cas, with Golding moved into the halves. I remain unconvinced by Golding's technique or desire defensively if he wants to be a full-back in the long term. He seems to do his best to get out of the way of making tackles at times.

I agree with you. Plus he has had about a full year now of full time training with the first team, and he doesn't appear to have gained any size at all.

The halves, and he did have a good game against Cas, might prove to be his future.

Have we not all learnt yet that the announced 19 isn't final? Hardaker, Watkins and Burrow are all doubts; Handley, Golding and R.Ward could all come in.

I would be surprised if Burrow played after the way he pulled up.

There has to be a huge effort from Saints on Friday, if they lose that means they have lost 5 out of the last 6 (I think?). Its season over for them surely with a total lack of momentum heading into the playoffs if they do secure a top 4 spot.

Unfortunately i think they might just edge this one.

Agreed also with Gilder here - only seen Golding in the 1st grade but a couple of moments ball in hand aside hasn't looked close to SL standard yet.

Did you watch the last Hull game? Best game yet at 1st team level.

Give the lad a chance for goodness sake.
He still looks better than Kieran Dixon.

I've no issue with kids making errors, being out of position or coming up with poor decisions. Even experienced pros do stuff like that - look at Ainscough at the weekend for Batley.

There are just times with Golding where he looks the exact opposite of Hardaker defensively, particularly close to the line. And that's against kids of his own age group. You can't play full back without at least looking like you enjoy defending.

If Burrow doesn't play I don't think it's a certainty that Robbie Ward will get picked. For an opposition like Saints, McDermott is more likely to go tried and trusted and happily have Sinfield stay at dummy half for the full 80 and just add another forward to the bench (Keinhorst) and rotate the forwards around more. Not sure he'd trust Robbie Ward to be defending in the middle against the likes of Walmsley and Masoe.

I did and agreed - albeit it had little in the way of competition from what I've seen - the defensive frailties were still a concern. I hear he's a future star (perhaps in another position he will be) but I've yet to see it at this level.

The 19 is meant to be official so it is unlikley that players outside of the 19 are named in the 17.......

Whilst it was a friendly he looked very very good against SL opposition on boxing day. Then there's his man of the match displays against his Australian counterparts at Academy level. I think he's a star in the making BUT it may not be at full back as but that may have more to do with Hardaker blocking his path, hopefully, for years to come.

Not true at all

Correct, was it Walters that played against Huddersfield in the challenge cup this year that want named in the initial 19?

Burrow, Hardaker and Watkins all due to have fitness tests tomorrow. It's a unique situation don't recall ever seeing 3 of the initial 19 replaced before.