I can't see another game for Lilley this year unless we get injuries to 2 of Sinfield, McGuire and Burrow.

The games v Salford and Catalans won't be easy and there's no real reason to put Lilley in. Hopefully they might be able to get him on loan somewhere next season or a decent amount of games for Hunslet.

I'm not sure about putting Briscoe straight back in for Handley. I'd give Handley another game as a pat on the back for having done so well and it doesn't make it look quite as much like he's been immediately dropped for Briscoe. It then gives Briscoe an extra week but we can play him back in against Catalans.

Obviously Hardaker goes straight back in and I'd have Garbutt back on the bench assuming he's fit. I'm not sure about JJB as Delaney, Ablett and Keinhorst have played pretty well in the backrow.

I'd go with:
1. Hardaker
2. Handley
3. Watkins
4. Moon
5. Hall
6. Sinfield
7. McGuire
8. Leuluai
9. Aiton
10. Peacock
11. Ablett
12. Delaney
13. Cuthbertson

14. Burrow
15. Garbutt
16. Singleton
17. Keinhorst

At this stage the Salford game is probably more pressure than the Catalans one, and the bigger of the two for slipping up. A win and the pressure is back on Wigan and Saints, a loss and we have blown top spot probably going into the 8's.

I think that Handley has shown signs of tiredness, not surprising since he can't have expected to have played so many consecutive games this season.
So I expect Briscoe if fully fit to play.
It will also help him to regain full match fitness before the business end of the season.
The bonus is that if either he or Hall suffer an injury, Handley will be able to slot straight back in.

Not tempted to drop Ablett after the Wigan game and give his spot to JJB if fit ?.

I would like to see Briscoe given a chance if fit , let Handley have a break.

Cant disagree with the comments above. Squad looking good

With regards to Handley, it is a tough call but I wouldn't mind seeing him on the bench with a view to rotating with Briscoe. That way we can raise the fitness of Briscoe gradually and make Handley feel a valued part of the squad.

Difficult choice but we don't always play all four on the bench and it may be worth trying something different??????

Judging by a BM interview posted on another thread, Briscoe is certainty to come back in for Handley as soon as he's fit. That's already been decided.

No, Ablett can have an off game but is pretty consistent on the whole so no point dropping him.



He's done well but he's no Briscoe. I think he's had a good run but we can't carry him on the bench just for the sake of it. Best to just keep him fit and available should we have any injuries/suspensions.

I also think the game against Salford will be much harder this Friday than we were hoping for.
Under Sheens they look to have improved and can still make the 8`s.
The same will go for Catalans the following week.

Hardaker
Briscoe
Watkins
Moon
Hall
McGuire
Sinfield
Leuluai
Aiton
Cuthbertson
Keinhorst
Ablett
Singleton

JJB
Delaney
Burrow
Garbutt

If possible I would give Peacock the week off.

I would give JP a week off too or at least a long rest on the bench. JJB, Briscoe & Garbutt need to play to get match fit/sharpness. Both Salford and Catalans games will not be a walk over.

If all fit JP will play regardless and no doubt Singleton and Keinhorst to miss out which is a big shame.
Those two along with Handley have done well recently.

I wouldn't call it dropping Ablett, but he has played in every single match this year (with very little time spent on the bench) so if we have enough of our other forwards passed fit for this one then I'd be tempted to give him a week off.

I'd go with
Hardaker
Briscoe
Watkins
Moon
Hall
Sinfield
Mcguire
Garbutt
Aiton
Kylie
Keinhorst
Delaney
Cuthbertson

Burrow
Singleton
Jjb
Ablett

I think if we can rest Peacock and ablett we should.

backs are pretty much set with Zak and Tom back, for forwards I would go with

Leuluai
Aiton
Cuthbertson
Delaney
Keinhorst
Jjb

Singleton
Burrow
Garbutt
Yates/Mulhern /Walters .

Should be enough for Salford . Getting Briscoe match fit for super 8 and resting two forwards for one game seems good sense.I'm betting we go with a full though

Hardaker
Briscoe Watkins Moon Hall
Sinfield McGuire
Leuluai Aiton Cuthbertson
Delaney Keinhorst
Singleton

Burrow JJB Peacock Garbutt.

Ablett Yates

Salford and Catalan both going to be very tough games. Salford are hitting form now and a loss on Friday would mean they cannot get into the eight. And Catalan will be tough because if they lose this week and next, they could potentially lose their top eight spot.