I don't share your optimism. Too many false dawns. The pack has been pretty dominant in most games, even the Widnes debacle they were making yards. Bowden has also impressed this year.

Poor weather forecast for Friday - so I will go with a Leeds or Hull win - 20-16

Bowden is another one who I think could go far. I hope your forecast is correct. These days though we lack a bloke with a bent nose and protruding forehead to run the show on a wet night.

You are right about Taylor and Watts, but what has really improved for us this year is what happens when they come off. Last year Paea and Watts would set a platform but the replacements were pretty toothless. This year Josh Bowden has arguably outshone the two starters, and Chris Green has played his part too. That said if we rack up anything like 50 I'd be shocked. I'm expecting a tight one.

I am following many on here and trying to get my negative view in early doors. Leeds have to start playing better some time, but think we have planned to peak for the 8's. Unfortunately, it looks like being the wrong 8's. I predict Batley will see Leeds at their best in August and could kop for a real towelling.

Batley in August, why not, it's years since I have been to that ground. It will make a pleasant change to slogging over the hill to Wigan , saints etc etc.

Don't underestimate the slope!

Yes indeed, win the toss play up hill in the first half, job done.

Not trying to be flippant but I do miss going to different grounds. Used to enjoy the trips to Cumbria as well as those nearer to home. Playing Wigan or saints 4/5 times a year as we have done can get stale. Not that I am In a rush to get into the championship

Hardaker
Watkins
Burrow
Galloway
Falloon
JJB
Ablett
Sutcliffe
Delaney
Singleton
Garbutt
Keinhorst
Achurch
Mullally
Handley
Golding
Baldwinson
Lilley
Smith

Keinhorst to left centre, Sutcliffe back to stand off, Smith and Baldwinson to miss out. Unless Delaney fails his fitness test, then Baldwinson to play.

I'd go with

Hardaker
Golding
Watkins
Keinhorst
Handley
Sutcliffe
Lilley
Galloway
Falloon
Singleton
Ablett
Delaney(if fit)
JJB

Subs
Burrow
Garbutt
Achurch
Mullally

We all know that there is no way Burrow doesn't start.

Bold prediction

We have sold at least 1,000 away tickets Hull FC tweeted this morning so should be a good following from us.

Assuming Delaney is rushing himself back to fitness so he can break down mid game again I'd go with

Hardaker
Golding
Watkins
Keinhorst
Handley
Sutcliffe
Lilley
Galloway
Falloon
Garbutt
Ablett
JJB
Singleton

Burrow
Mullally
Baldwinson
Smith

I think we're going to seriously struggle with this game no matter which 17 we put out so we may as well give those injured another week to regain fitness and give some young players a run out to see what they can do.