I can see Lomax and Makinson dropping out of their 19, key players for Saints, as you say why would they risk injury to them.

Be good to see how Bentley goes Thursday.
A player I was hoping we would have signed and one I rate highly.
Could be a similar player to Bateman I would say.

Didn't look out of place against Wire.

He's been great when called upon this year - has done a very good job filling in at hooker when he's played there.

I really like him.

That`s good to see.
When he fills out I`m sure he will make a really decent second rower.
I`ve seen him at junior level and for the Bulls and he`s the closest to Bateman that I`ve seen.
Probably just as daft/hard too.

If ward plays it’s got to be a straight swap for Donaldson, Peteru has to play you can’t go into this game with just 2 recognised props.

Agreed, makes us stronger than last week imo

Wards issue is more mental than physical I fear and that will take some rebuilding. I feel hes convincing himself that hes not ready.

At some point he needs to get on the field and play.

Absolutely terrific player and a smashing kid but injuries have broken him. I really hope he can come back and get a full season in and get his confidence back.

We really need to be careful with him whenever he returns. 15 mins here and there off the bench and not in the middle of the park.

Reserves would be perfect right now. Why oh why it was not brought back earlier.

Ward taking the field against Cas in the 2017 GF and playing like he did was one of the toughest things I've seen. It would be natural to doubt your body with the amount of setbacks he's had; but he may yet turn it around.

He's living with the constant threat of his career ending / Leeds career ending.

A few games this year and another full pre-season, we'll have to see how he goes in 2020 and keep fingers crossed.

Back to selection; Peteru would have to come in for Singleton and Ward replaces Donaldson, Sutcliffe or Ferres. Of the three probably Donaldson, but I'd be tempted to drop Ferres myself - we could do without the penalties against a good side.

Sad to say but you know another injury is just around the corner for Stevie Ward. Could have been a great but that's just the way it is his body is just not up to it.

Looks like this will be a better contest than originally envisaged after Saints named a decent squad and Leeds found some form.

Looking forward to seeing how far Leeds have come after two resounding wins and how Saints approach the game with Wembley on the horizon.

I can see it being a close but high scoring affair.