The point about graham is also valid. We are using 16 v 17 each week. Graham and TP and Roby make this possible. I would be suprised if this continues next year. With graham gone we will lose an 80 minute guywho now has regular ice on his back.

We will not have this next year but with lance in the team the back on the bench may no longer be deamed nessasary by royce. Not sure how we will line up yet but the triangle of lance gaskell and lomax would mean a back up back is not needed.

The only question now is, did Wheeler make it through Saturday without picking up any injuries?

I've heard he's gone for the season with a splintered rectum.

Bad news. In the after match huddle Sia Soliola accidently squoze Gary Wheeler too hard and he imploded. His head was found in Runcorn this morning.

I've never liked the whole concept of having a back on the bench at all, particularly not when they're half-fit and in no position to be able to contribute more than 20 minutes if needed anyway as we've done more than a few times, and we have plenty enough forwards who can play in the backs if needed making it even more pointless. But I'm more than happy to concede that Royce knows a thousand times more about the game and the players than I ever will and so must know what he's doing...

I personally like the idea of having a back on the bench, it makes us more flexible in case of injuries and as was pointed out earlier in the thread, we are fortunate enough to have an 80 minute hooker who doesnt need spelling so therefore we can get away with it and still give TP, Graham, LMS, Clough and Sia the appropriate spells during a game.

Also, for such as Saturday, if Leon has recovered he would be well worth a place on the bench for me. Lomax and Gaskell have been superb all season, but if the occasion of a GF got the better of them ,we have an experienced half that can come on the field and steady the ship which should be reassuring for all.