Sorry to be picky but i thought it was Clubb??

It was. A career-defining moment

I did not come looking for an argument, simply questioning the rationale. In terms of the league I think it's too early to read much into it.

Personally I think Cas look a different prospect this year and are playing for each other, so it could be naive to write them off on big games. But then again, I accept that bubble could burst.

In terms of Wigan, this may be my hope/bias but it does not look like the Wigan of old in terms of structured boring play and do believe when bodies are back (Bateman, Farrell, Budgie) that we should be a dangerous proposition. But like I said, I may be a little bias...

I know what you're saying, but Wigan have come a long way since that season. The way I remember it, it took a pretty monumental effort from a great Leeds team to stop us from winning that game, and there's been lots of development in our strike players since then. I think that the end of last season and the start of this one shows we can play some good attacking stuff with a semi-fit team. The structure just keeps us competitive when the kids are out.

Anyway, back to Friday's game, have to say I'm much less confident than I was 2-3 weeks ago. You've obviously responded very well to the Cas result, and we've hit a bit of a wall. Given the troops we've got coming back, I'll say Wigan by 6, but doubt there will be much in it wither way.

I always feel that at Leeds the crowd play a bigger part in the decision making by the officials than anywhere else in the league. I mean this as a compliment. The crowd is large and loud and gets behind the team and that makes it a tough place to win. We have lost the last five at your place and I'm never confident regardless of form.

The 2012 result (when Wigan got 50+) was an outlier, games are usually tight, it could come down to a bit of brilliance or luck or a decision. I predicted Leeds to make the top 4 and I've seen nothing to change my view. I must say I like the look of Parcell, could be a big signing for Leeds.

When i they rely on structure it's not s crtiticism. It's anything but. It allows Wigan to introduce young players, helps them deal with injuries and in the long hard slog of s season we have it's necessary to win.

Was are a Powell side. But so were Leeds in 2003. As a team they aren't good defensively they give away a lot of ball, and so will struggle in tight gsmes. In open games they are very good in attack.

There are flaws at both Wigan and Cas who have looked much better than everyone else.

I've been very impressed with the form of George Williams this year.
The departure of Matty Smith has put more responsibility on his shoulders & he's responded excellently.
If we can control him & limit his attacking threat then we we can win.
Paramount in that is discipline, give away needless & penalties & concede territory & we'll struggle.

Recent meetings show Leeds being further away from dealing with Castleford than at any point in their history. Record beatings handed out both home and away within the last twelve months.

Seen these runs before V Hull, Wigan, Bradford among others and it can be a long road back.

Golding
Briscoe
Watkins
Moon
Hall
Mcguire
Burrow
Parcell
Cuthbertson
Jones-Buchanan
Ablett
Sutcliffe
Delaney
Garbutt
Keinhorst
Ferres
Mullally
Walters
Handley

Honestly I'm not that confident in the squad, the pack looks like it's lacking in lateral movement and Wigan will exploit that. Our backs will have to have an excellent game defensively if we're going to win this.

I was expecting Ward to be in the 19 for this one.

Also, unless he's got a knock (and I've not read any confirmation) harsh on Baldy. Would have expected him in 19 with Walters dropping out for the returning Delaney

I too don't understand Baldwinson omission from the squad, considering he's started the past two games. Walters & Handley does nothing for me. Why is Handley even included if he doesn't play?

Golding
Briscoe Watkins Keinhorst Hall
Mcguire Moon
Garbutt Parcell Cuthbertson
Ablett Ferres
Sutcliffe

JJB Mullally Burrow Delaney

It's a shame, considering how he's been playing recently, and after two seasons in the stands.

That's a real slap in the face for Baldy, shocking treatment of him really. Let's hope McDermott doesn't follow suit with Oledzki.