Given the way our squad was put together, I imagine quite a few players were signed on the basis of recommendations, players that Lowes had barely seen. There was always going to be a higher than usual drop out rate.

Well the 19-MAN SQUAD: Adam Henry, Adam O’Brien, Adam Sidlow, Adrian Purtell, Chev Walker, Dale Ferguson, Dan Fleming, Danny Addy, Danny Williams, Epalahame Lauaki, Harry Siejka, James Mendeika, Jay Pitts, Matty Blythe, Paul Clough, Ryan Shaw, Steve Crossley, Tom Olbison, Vila Halafihi.

So I'd imagine it's pretty much as it was on Sunday but with Siejka coming in at 7 and Lauaki taking a spot on the bench, assuming they're fit

come on bulls, relying on you lot to do us a solid here

Oooh, now I hope we don't win

No Mullaney so Addy and Siejka at halfback.

We'll be lacking speed and creativity a bit in midfield.

it would mean you letting Leigh take top spot though

If they risk Siejka, that is, according to Ross in the T&A it's not a foregone conclusion.

Has he said something new today? Sounded like sjeika missing out on Sunday was more a precaution than an actual injury.
If he does miss out today then don't think we can persist with Purtell in halves. Bring mendeika into standoff where he's played a lot or failing that hasnt Henry played standoff down under too. Don't see how either can be a worse option than Purtell who's never featured there and let's him play in his strongest position too.

With 4 weeks to the middle 8s I am starting to be concerned at the chances of Siejka and Mullaney being fully fit. if our whole season comes down to a gamble of saving the halves and throwing them in after injury it is a massive gamble.
If we are still in the championship next season I doubt I will be the only supporter shouting for extra "quality" halves as Addey works his socks off but isn't a half back.
It is OK Jimmy saying he is happy with them and I probably would be if we had the awesome foursome out there with the centres and backs we had to go with them. I could have played scrum half with that team - well, maybe that is pushing it a little. This team isn't awesome so it needs quality halves to get the best out of them and this is where we slipped up as soon as GOB backed out. Yes it is difficult to find a player but don't we all wish we had signed 3 or 4 less squad players and gone and tempted a good half from OZ. HKR manage to find two decent ones at the last minute. Money talks and we are all now watching with everything crossed that our halves (including Mullaney) come good the week before the real business starts.

The quote from the T&A is that, Siejka is in the squad "but[i it remains to be seen if he will be risked[/i", so it suggests his conversation with JL wasn't totally positive.

Course, Jimmy [imight[/i be playing mind games with Fev, who knows, but to be honest that's not his normal style.

Well I'd imagine we'll be big on the forwards tonight. It's 5pm now and it is still really muggy round this part of Bradford so it's going to be a tough night for defending.

I'm not going to say it's hot at Odsal, but a couple of Hobbits just went in carrying a ring

Neither of our first choice halves are playing. Gaz Moore suffering concussion apparently and Cooky just tweeted a picture of his BBQ cooking away, so safe to assume he's not playing.

With them two in the team we had a chance, easy victory for you guys now.