If JJB is on the brink of a return, then it's at the expense of Walters. Peacock's return would be in place of Garbutt or Singleton.

The (nice) problem then becomes who misses out to allow Ward back into the 17. Logic would say Keinhorst, but his performances in recent weeks don't merit him being left out of the squad.

It will be interesting to see how Keinhorst is doing in a few more weeks when Ward is ready to return. Like Handley he probably won't have expected such a prolonged run in the side and in the back row position so will he start showing the effects of this soon? He's still a bit lightweight for 2nd row so it might be a big ask for him to keep the form up.

JJB has not performed well enough, since 2012, to be an automatic selection when fit. His record of breaking down badly during matches also suggests that selecting him is a significant risk that we could end up playing 16 against 17. Keinhorst, Ablett and Delaney have been fantastic in the last few weeks, none of them deserves to be dropped for an injury-prone 34 year old who wasn't breaking any pots when he was fit.

Our best team for the run-in is:

1. Hardaker
2. Briscoe
3. Watkins
4. Moon
5. Hall
6. Sinfield
7. McGuire
8. Leuluai
9. Aiton
10. Peacock
11. Keinhorst
12. Ablett
13. Singleton

14. Burrow
15. Cuthbertson
16. Garbutt
17. Delaney

You get the physical benefit of five props, plus you can rotate really well when you have Cuthbertson & Garbutt coming off the bench. Bringing Cutho & Burrow on at the same time injects another dimension into the team given their abilities, and no defence wants to deal with a fresh Garbutt after 25 minutes of Kylie & JP.

EDIT - re: Keinhorst / Ward, Ward is 6'1'', 14st 9lb. Keinhorst is 6'1'' and 14st 6lb. They're nearly identical in stature. Keinhorst is 25, he should be able to handle playing regularly in a way that Handley, who is still physically developing, can't.

Why do people keep listing the 2nd rowers when discussing JJB chances of playing? He hasn't been playing there for a while but in the middle as a loose/prop.

So it's not a case of Keinhorst/Ward/Delaney being picked ahead of him. It's the likes of Garbutt/Singelton and Leuluai.

Ward is an automatic starter once he's fit (he'll be ready for the semi final). Keinhorst has done nothing wrong. In fact he's been brilliant. Delaney is a bench player now. The issue is who plays at loose? Ablett, Cuthbertson, Singleton? For me, Ablett must start. A bench of Burrow, Cuthbertson, Delaney, Garbutt is immense. Singleton will probably be the one who misses out. JJB is nowhere near the 17 now

Because the LF tends to be one of those back rowers not one of the props, although with Garbutt's arrival it's much more likely to be .
Assuming Keinhorst and Ablett are now solid starters, JJB has to be considered ahead of Singleton, *and* (if fit), Stevie Ward.

Sorry, but I just don't see that.

Keinhorst is playing really well but he isn't a "solid starter" in a fully-fit squad. He's a really useful guy to have around though. First reserve for centre and cover for backrow/bench. Should still get 15-20 games per season.

Keinhorst is a solid starter. He was before Ward got injured too. He got his chance and never looked back. JJB should be the bit part player now. We're lucky if he can play 10 games a year now

Keinhorst may be a solid starter now but Stevie Ward was in our top 3 best players so far this season.

When fit I'd imagine the first choice 2nd row will be Ward and Ablett. Also I'm not seeing Cuthbertson starting on the bench whilst Singleton starts at loose like some are listing.

I would have a couple of captains next season at Leeds! Ward being one with him taking the role full time in a few seasons (captains would be Mags, Ward, Burrow with club captain JJB)

Hardaker will be captain, and you could see it in everything on the pitch Friday night.

Keinhorst is never in a million years a solid starter. The lad works hard, has great hands, and I am sure will put his body on the line, but he is far too lightweight. Nearly bombed two tries Friday also. Can't see him in seventeen when all fit.

McGuire will be captain next year, who takes over from him when he's missing will probably tell us who gets it long term.

While McGuire probably will be captain for 2016, he wouldn't be my choice.

Leeds need to identify another long-term leader for the next five years or so, rather than just have a one-year stop gap.

Nearly everything you say above is incorrect.
1) McGuire will be captain
2) Keinhorst is a solid starter (and was before Ward got injured).
3) Keinhorst is lightweight? He is near enough the same build as Ward!!