Very true, hadn't considered that.

i assume Swift tweeting about man flu is the reason he ain't there?

I mean, he was obviously close to 100% to be included last week, and he's had a week of extra receovery.......

Swift wouldnt make the squad if fit

I think they prefer Makinson.

Swift had a good crack of it when he got his chance and has had the experience now. He's put himself in with a great shout for the next time the opportunity arises but it's probably best he consolidates his performances now and keeps his confidence playing in the U20's. He shouldn't be thrown in at the deep end like Gaskell was and to a lesser extent, Lomax.

I'm glad Wilkin is back. I think he adds that bit of craft close to the ruck - the odd little insde ball (giving or receiving), clever support and running.

Yeah, him and Wello are particularly good at working the markers and executing spot sets. It'll be good if we can get Perry back too for next week as we're looking a little light on the bench again.

Mmm, Magennis should go alright against Wakey. I worry about him playing against the bigger teams, but it might be good game time for him.
I would like to see Forster continue his run, think he could be a good one.

Magennis isn't playing this week so Forster will get a run out.

So he isn't. I missed that one.
Well then, as I said, I'm looking forward to Forster extending his run.
He's currently on 46 metres from 6 carries (7.66 average, also 8 tackles and 0 offloads). Let's see what he manages against a SL side.

I like the fact that Gaskell has been in the squad the last few weeks, shows he ain't going to be the forgotton man and must be doing something good in training.

1. Paul Wellens
21. Tommy Makinson
3. Michael Shenton
26. Josh Jones
5. Francis Meli

6. Lance Hohaia
7. Jonny Lomax

14. Anthony Laffranchi
9. James Roby
16. Paul Clough
12. Jon Wilkin
4. Sia Soliola
15. Mark Flanagan

10. LMS
13. Chris Flannery
25. Carl Forster
19. Andrew Dixon

I would be ok with this as the line up and I hope we really go at Wakey with the same attitude we will need for wigan. We've had an easy couple of weeks and really need to ramp up the intensity to see off the wiganers. I don't mind our eyes being on next week so long as that means trying to match the effort we will need.

Those stats are from the Widnes game where he played about 10 minutes so a very good effort. I don't think the Oldham stats are on there or if they will be due it being Challenge Cup rather than Super League.

I've read a quote from Mike Rush in the Star saying that although Wheeler is in contention for the game on Friday night, Jones has been playing well and so Wheeler may have to 'come through the reserves'.

Wheeler has been outstanding all season. He brings more to the party than Jones IMO, even though Jones has done ok.

Both have contributed more than Shenton this season, or at least showed the ability to. I don't see why Shenton is an automatic in his place if others are out performing him.

I agree but its because he is claased as so called "senior" player.

Also Wheeler should play instead of Jones - he offers more of a threat.
(If only he could stop picking up injuries; I've supported him all the way through but TBH its getting beyond a joke now.)