Very quiet on here with the squad announced for Thurs. Probably Roberts, Tindall, Ruan and Mcdonnell to drop out. Fancy Smith will start Martin and Olpherts (though Roberts has gone well) at centre with Tetevano/Walters and Gannon back row with all 5 'Props' in the 17. Tough going with 4 starters out, but I'm intrigued as to what glimpses of Smiths style for the year that we will see.

I think Smith might prefer Martin in the centres so

1. Myler
2. Fusitua
3. Olpherts
4. Martin
5. Handley
6. Austin
7. Sezer
8. Holroyd
9. Leeming
10. Lisone
11. Gannon
12. Tetevano
13. Smith

14. OConner
15 Danger
16. Holroyd
17. Walters/Donaldson

The other alternative is Fusitua in the Centre Tetevano on the bench and Martin in the SR

I think all the pressure is on Wire here, Powell has to get off to a good start or he is toast, Although I d really like us to have a good start for once

I think that's most likely. I'd take a gamble and play Roberts, allowing Martin to play second row and Tetevano to move back to the middle. Will be interesting to see how we go without a lot of attacking strike, although not exactly a novel situation for us.

Tindall or roberts on the wing in that scenario?

I think it will look like the 17 you've named.

Who would sit out in that case? I'd say Walters has done more for a place than Tetevano.

Just don’t see Rohan not picking Tetevano. Straight contest between Walters and Donaldson on the bench. I'd go big and pick Walters. Anyway, I think you're original pick is the most likely choice.

Myler
Fusitua
Olpherts
Roberts
Handley
Austin
Sezer
Lisone
Leeming
Tetavano
Gannon
Martin
Smith

O`Connor
Sangare
Holroyd
Walters

Vaughan at his best would probably only be second best to Walmsley in SL. If he and McGuire go well with Kasiano off the bench will be a handful, you never know it could be, no I won’t say it.

I reckon it will be the above with Roberts out and Martin at centre with Donaldson or McDonnell in.

Myler
Fusitua
Martin
Olpherts
Handley
Austin
Sezer
Holroyd
O'Connor
Lisone
Tetevano
Gannon
Smith

Leeming
Sangare
Walters
Mcdonnell /Ruan

I'd personally go for

1. Myler
2. Fusitu'a
3. Martin
4. Olpherts
5. Handley
6. Austin
7. Sezer
8. Holroyd
9. Leeming
10. Tetevano
11. Mcdonnell
12. Gannon
13. Smith

14. O'Connor
15. Lisone
16. Sangare
17. Donaldson

I think Rohan will go with a big pack early to combat Warrington's try get us on top then keep it that way having Lisone & Sagare doing some damage off the bench.

Personally, I'd go with:-

1. Myler
2. Fussy
3. McDonnell (albeit never seen him play)
4. Handley
5. Olpherts
6. Austin
7. Sezer
8. Holroyd
9. Leeming
10. Tetevano (I'd have Walters ahead of Tetevano but know there is no chance of that)
11. Gannon
12. Martin
13. Smith

14. O'Connor
15. Lisone
16. Walters (prop / 2nd row cover)
17. Sangare

Smith has mentioned Olpherts in the centres a lot and thus, I suspect he will be centre. Likewise, I think Smith likes Martin in the centres so suspect he will be the other centre. Personally, I would prefer Martin at 2nd row given Bentley is already missing. Likewise, I understand McDonnell is a 2nd row / centre in any event (I get the impression he might be an Ablett type centre).

Is Lisone not more of an impact prop rather than starting prop?

I doubt Walters will be included given there are already four other props (unless Tetevano is 2nd row), however, even then Donaldson may get the nod ahead of him.

Always hard to predict when it is the first game of the season. Fussy and Olpherts might not even be fit. There would be no surprise if any of Roberts, Tindall or Ruan were named in the 17.

Even with injuries I just don’t see why Donaldson should be in that squad. He isn’t a prop, he isn’t really big enough or skilled enough for a 13 and he isn’t quick enough and/or doesn’t offer enough threat as 11-12.

Good squad player, decent guy to have around. If you have a lot of injuries or need to rest a few then okay to come in. But really if he gets in our 17 when we have a prop, back row and both centres missing then for me that’s an issue.

Fusi at centre and Tindall on the wing for me. Leave Martin back row.

McGuire banned for seven, I believe.