Isn't Chisolm back in full training? if he is surely he will get a run out.

My lad

Now now roger, less of this nepotism....mind I agree!

I'd guess two of JK's 'missing links' are probably in the halves - at least, if we're just talking about the opening game(s). Maybe he hasn't quite decided on who starts and who is on the bench?

My main hope is that, for once, the selection dilemmas continue into the season and don't evaporate in a blitz of injuries after the first few games. But then I've been supporting the Bulls long enough to know the answer to that..

Personally I'd like to see this team take the field against Keighley:

McNally
Ryan
Oakes
Gibson
Grant
Keyes
Chisholm
Crossley
Hallas
Kirk
Garside
Hodgson
Minchella

Butterworth
Peltier
Andrade
Wood/Johnson

With it being the last friendly I'd like to see this side start the match and play for about 50 mins.

Part of me wants to use just 4 subs to get used to having to do bigger minutes like a proper match. However I feel like the likes of Brown, Milton, Bustin, Davies need more game time. So part of me wants to start Brown over Ryan or Grant as we know what these two can do and are ready for the season.

I think Milton and Bustin will get some minutes if they're fit.

I'm sure Kear would like to give his ideal first choices as much time as possible to gel on Sunday but I would think he'll be cautious with Keyes and Chisholm.

If they are both 100% I'd start them and bring them both off at half time, gives us ideal preparation too to see if we can adjust mid-game in the event we lose a halfback to injury during the season. If they aren't 100% fit. Don't bother risking it.

I think we have to be careful with Chisholm. He had a long way off, and i don't think this will be a "friendly". Would prefer to easy him in with 20 minutes left when some petrol has gone out of the Keighley tank and he won't be targeted as much. I'd bring him off the bench for York too as half a game after such a severe injury, half a pre-season isn't enough to rush him back. Don't forget, he only played a handful of games for Sheffield too, so he's been out much longer than just from when the injury occurred.

Kear certainly has a selection headache over Smith/Gibson/Oakes. The Oakes/Ryan partnership from last year should be enough for Oakes to justify that spot. For me (depending on injuries) i'd go.

Mcnally
Grant
Gibson
Oakes
Ryan
Smith
Keyes (If Keyes ins't fit, then i'd put Butterworth in there as we need at least one natural HB there)
Kirk
Hallas
Crossley
Johsnson
Garside
Minchella

Chisholm
Wood
Peltier
Goodall

They would be the 17 in mind and try and play as long minutes as possible.

rest of bench to get fitness up

Bustin
Milton
Davies
Brown
Andrade

It is wrong of me to have a slight feeling of mischievious delight at the thought of your reply if some unwitting soul fails to realise who you are and has a go at him? Will you crush them into dust?

Ha. No no no. If my lad has a rubbish game, I'll have a go at him myself

No Hodgson? I wonder if Kear will allow the Oakes/Ryan partnership to continue. Hasn't played them together once yet and has played Oakes on the wing.