I really rate Newman and think he will be a very good SL player. Hope he takes the chance on Friday and has a stormer. He can't do any worse than Watkins.

Watkins is England’s best centre but was clearly injured last week, why are people talking like they want shut of him

Hopefully Ablett will replace Sutcliffe if the former is fit enough... Then again, I somehow feel happier with Sutcliffe at centre than in the second-row - maybe that's an option if Newman's not ready yet?

Replacing Sutty with Ablett isn't solving the problem his lateral defence is just as bad if not worse.
It also highlights what a major weakness our BR is.

I don't think anyone is suggesting we get rid of him.
But before his injury and this season he has been poor by his standards and that includes several of his performances for England.

Last year people were arguing his injury was one reason for our struggles so not sure I agree with his form pre injury being poor. I do agree, though, he's never been amazing on the international stage but he's not the only player that can be levelled at.

From memory, i thought he started last year quite well and was linking up with Myler doing some damage with early ball.

I'm not entirely convinced he's confident in his knee either- he looked like he couldn't catch Tui when he made a break at Wigan and you'd expect him to be at a stroll next to him.

Walker
Briscoe
Newman
Hurrell
Handley

Lolohea
Myler

Singleton
Parcell
Cuthbertson
Ferres
Ablett
Merrin

Dwyer
Oledzki
Peteru
Sutcliffe

We all know Sutty will start, and probably in the back row with Ablett at centre. I wouldn’t have him anywhere near my 17, but I guess we have to as he’s versatile (but not much cop in any position).

I hope we go with

Walker
Briscoe
Newman
Hurrell
Handley
Lolohea
Myler
Cuthbertson
Dwyer
Peteru
Ferres
Donaldson
Merrin

Subs

Parcell
Singleton
Ablett
Oldezki

I think Furner will play Sutcliffe at right centre this week even though he has done nothing the previous 4 games he's played to warrant a place in match day 17,If we put Donaldson on that right hand side might tighten it up defensively as that's his main asset and especially if we have someone covering that right centre position this week with Watkins out.

Ferres to captain us Friday night he has experience but doesn't seem much of a leader to me, I thought Myler, Cuthbertson,Merrin or Ablett would have Maybe been given the job,but Furner must see something in Ferres.

Sir Kev made Ferres Captain a few times at the end of last season so just following on from that really

Players and coaching staff consistently talk highly of Ferres, it’s no big surprise and his form’s been OK (bar last week).

Merrin must have been close though.

Merrin will be the voice and leader and hopefully captain for rest of season.
Let Watkins focus on his game

Merrin was the voice last week and all that did was get him 10 minutes...

So...

Walker
Briscoe
Newman
Hurrell
Handley
Lolohea
Myler
Oledzski
Dwyer
Cuthbertson
Ferres
Donaldson
Merrin

Parcell
Peteru
Ablett
Singleton

Will Ferres miss the game due to his partner giving birth last night ?