I can’t see Donaldson making the 17 unless we have players named ruled out through injury

Broadbent
Briscoe Newman Hurrell Handley
Lui Myler
Oledski Leeming Prior
Mellor Martin
Tetevano

Holroyd Dwyer Smith Vuniyayawa
18th Gannon

Is Mellor actually fit?

I think the only change to the 17 will probably be Tetevano for Gannon.

Well, Well, Well with between 1-3 games left of the season we get to name a full strength (ish) squad albeit no Gayle and Walker. Will we get sight of what we’ve been missing all season? Hope so. However players rarely if ever come back from significant layoffs and click straight into top gear so we may be disappointed…

I think we would be a bit prop heavy with Oledzki, Prior, Tetevano, Holyroyd and Vuniyawawa particularly given Smith will come on at 13. Likely better to have some 2nd row cover for Martin and Mellor.

It all depends whether everyone is actually fit and available to play on Thurs.

They reckon so but theres a big difference between being fit and being match ready for a playoff game at Wigan isnt there?

Out of all i would think King is probably most doubtful due to probably needing a jab and an op but have to see what team is named and how it performs Thursday.

Mellor on the bench + Gannon starts.

Would be my side.

I'd expect Donaldson to play. He's a reliable player who covers second row, and prop/loose.

Donaldson played well last week too, I’d be telling him to imagine those red shirts to be HKR ones.

Yes I'd probably go with this, or even King for that final bench spot.

Very difficult to guess selections this year due to ongoing injuries etc.

We bullied Wigan last time and they have a slightly bigger pack available this time, I think we need to go big on them and also pick a good defensive balance now we're in the play-offs.

I doubt whether we can progress without Gale and with so many players carrying knocks, but who knows. Hope it's a good game.

Depending on the genuine level of fitness of the returning players i think Leeds have a good chance of progressing.This is a relatively average Wigan side. Strong defensively but other than Hastings lacks flair in attack.A probable trip to France awaits the winner and that might be a bridge too far for both sides

FWIW I don’t think Catalans will make OT, I don’t think the break and recent losses will do them any favours, it looks like Tomkins might be out for the season and all the pressure is in them, whoever goes over there will be able to do do with sll the expectation on the home side.

I also think Wigan will edge us out in a low scoring game of attrition

Gale hasn't done much this season. His kicking game has been terrible. He needs phasing out next season.

The benefit of Gale returning would be Myler being able to go to FB, he’s not had a good year though and it’s debatable whether the benefits would extend beyond that.

You'd have to back Wigan at home, however if our returning big guys are 90% fit we do have a decided edge in the middle of the field. Getting off to a good start will be vital.