I agree entirely. Resting Moon and Watkins and potentially Hardaker is a big risk, a backline that poses threats to every team. We could have been four points clear going into a game vs at Helens that could potentially put them down to fifth if all results go the right way this week.

Personally think we will lose this game which doesn't o well with winning the league leaders.

Both Wigan and Saints have tricky looking games too

of the 19 I am guessing Cuthbertson and Achurch to drop out. If Achurch passes his test then I would have him in rather than Walters. Hope R Ward gets a good stint at hooker and that we can try protect Mcguire.

It's completely understandable if they've got knocks that we don't want to risk. Moon missed two games recently with an Achilles problem and I doubt that's completely sorted itself with two weeks off.

Definitely squeeky bum time now

From that squad, assuming Cuthbertson will miss out I'd go with:
1. Golding
2. Handley
3. Briscoe
4. Hardaker
5. Hall
6. Sinfield
7. McGuire
8. Garbutt
9. Ward, R
10. Peacock
11. Ablett
12. Keinhorst
13. Ward, S

14. Burrow
15. Singleton
16. Achurch
17. Leuluai

I'll be concerned if Golding plays to be honest, hasn't he only played one academy game in eleven weeks due to a very serious back injury?

Handley
Briscoe Hardaker Ablett Hall
Sinfield McGuire
Garbutt R Ward Peacock
Keinhorst Ward
Singleton

Burrow Walters Achurch Leuluai

I agree re Golding but I think against Hull full back isn't a position that gets particularly tested and without JJB & Delaney id rather have Ablett at second row than centre. I suppose Keinhorst could play there but again I'd rather play him at second row than centre too.

I also think Hardaker could cause chaos to Hull's defence from centre.

Moon and Watkins are two of our key creative attackers. Moon has been carrying an injury and Watkins didn't look 100% last week. So this is not a game to risk them in with a cup final and playoffs coming up. Keinhorst should play centre with Ablett if Cuthbertson is fit and if not then Handley and keep back 3 the same. Golding to drop out with either Cuthbo/Handley

Why are people getting their panties in a bunch about winning the LLS?

Top 2 is all that's important to guarantee you the home semi-final. With neither Saints nor Wigan in particularly fluent form at the moment and Leeds currently holding a five-point gap over the reigning champions, a defeat on Friday is hardly critical to that ambition.

I certainly wouldn't be risking Hardaker. Last thing Leeds want is facing going to Wembley with either Golding or Handley at full-back. Likewise Sinfield sits out for me, because you don't want to risk going into the Cup final without your first choice goal-kicker.

If we hadn't just lost Aiton I'd agree with you on Hardaker and Sinfield.
As it is I think we need as many games as possible with our halves playing in order to get used to playing without Aiton.

If either of them have knocks though then I'd rest them.

The LLS now has £100k status with WCC place so very much worth going for.

I think if Hudds beat saints and wire beat Wigan we should be away with the LLS. Pies and saints still have to play each other too.

I'm not worried about resting a few players for Hull, it's the games after vs saints and if we get any more injuries, the away to cats game. Really need Delaney to string some games together without injury, same for Achurch

I reckon the WCC is going to become a big deal and - for the kudos - it should be a focus for the club to proper batter an NRL side or two.

1. 100k, the same amount of money you win for winning the challenge cup.
2. a trophy in the cabinet.
3. a place in the world club series which gaurentees more income into the club.
4. The most consistent side throughout the season, which we have not been in quite a while.
5. you'll play the second best team in the world club challenge, rather than the third (requested) team if we win the challenge cup.
6. The possibility of a treble which doesn't happen much in rugby league, especially with JP, Leuluai, Sinfield, Aiton all leaving at the end of the season.