As they should be. If you base on how these players have done when they've been on the field in a Bulls shirt, it's about the right order. Lauaki and Fleming have done absolutely nothing for us except waste a bench spot.

Hard to say what the order will be to be honest.

As for Lauaki, if he's never going to do more than 20 minutes per game, I just don't see the point of persevering. If, on the other hand, he takes the hurt, he surely must be feeling at being dropped, and channels it in the right direction, then maybe, just maybe we might see a more effective bloke coming back into the 17?

From the little we see of Fleming last year I thought he was ok. Not a standout but I recall him breaking a few tackles and off loading which we ended up scoring from. He isn't a Sidlow/Clough but he showed a lot more Lauaki IMO. I'd like to see him given a shot this week.

As for Hicks... Wasn't he a ref for a televised SL game weekend just gone? If my memory serves me correct he had a very poor game and got a lot of stick from Eddie and co... Could be demotion.

I think with the refs, they're all Fulltime and I see no problem with them doing a game on Thursday, then another one on Sunday which looks like what is happening here. There are few SL games on a Sunday anymore.

Agree on Flemming, don't think he's anywhere near as bad as Lauaki. He did well against Cas. Ok it's they're reserves but you can only play whats in front of you. He made more tackle busts than Crossley and Lauaki last year.

Frustrating our 3 best props are all injured but it's arguably the best time for it to happen. Would rather they're out now than the middle 8s.

Sidlows arguably our most important player. Been immense this year. But it won't hurt him at the end of the year having a couple of months off.

From tonsilitis to a torn calf... Nice to be kept in the loop!
Lauaki would be right down the bottom of the pecking order of replacements for me, i'd sooner put Olbison or Haggerty at prop and see Mellor, Walshaw or even Blythe come in the 2nd row

Or he could be reffing the Salford Warrington game on TV on Thursday.

Seriously people, can we just ease off a little on this ref slamming - I haven't seen any ref performance either live or on TV that could even remotely be described as "very poor", and lord help us if Eddie n Stevo ever became the litmus test - I do get sick to death of them constantly interrupting games to go on and on and on about some perceived incorrect call, the vast majority of which always turn out to have been either spot on, or no worse than arguable.

And for the first hour, Silverwood's performance was like gold-plated platinum as compared with the inept performance of most of thefull time professional Bulls players.

At the Bulls on Sunday we were given Silverwood for the Leigh game, and people were calling last year for a SL ref to do the "big games", but why, when all folk then proceed to do is bag him at every opportunity. Silverwood is a very steady and well-respected ref and I saw no reason at all to criticize his performance, and I'd say the same of the appearances of Hicks that I've seen, I think Hicks has improved, and seems to have a bit more confidence and an improved rapport with the players.

Thought Silverwood was fine, to be honest. I guess much of the criticism was probably based on the fact that we didn't play very well.... He wasn't perfect, of course, but to the best of my knowledge, that guy hasn't been born yet.

I LOL at the idea the RFL would ever take notice of the mad Sky duo. I saw the game on TV and I have to admit he may, after numerous replays [some in slo-mo] have not got every single decision quite spot on, so, I suppose he's probably cacking himself, just in case that bloke who never made a mistake, has now been born, and fancies his job.

Silverwood was hardly noticeable on Sunday – a good sign. That didn’t stop him getting a load of abuse when he walked off though but some fans just use half time as an opportunity to vent their week’s frustrations.

I can’t bear Eddie and Stevo. The contrast with the NRL coverage is huge. They don’t bang on about decisions half as much there. Nor do they feel the need to have a ref in the commentary team. I think the concentration on the ref has been blown out of all proportion on Sky and detracts from the rest of the game.

Back in the days of Uncle Ray French he might have questioned a decision but would then move on “as he is the final arbiter”.

Speaking of Cummings I think he does a good job. He doesn't go out of his way to back up the officials, but if he would be allowwed to stick to his role of just explaining rules and rulings, that bit is fine. It's where the comedy trio start calling on him to validate their frequent rants at perceived mistakes that it starts to grate.

Given that most fans seemingly don't understand half the rules, as an educational tool and as a means of underlining how, actually, the officials do know a shedload more than your average whingeing fan or commenter, that part of the job could be good for the game. Instead though they seem afraid to leave him alone for long spells, instead getting the urge to involve him in comments every two minutes, even on the most banal stuff.

I think Cummings' dry, measured approach works well too.

Steady on FA, I think you may need to "ease" off lad!

No ref slamming from me, I was just suggesting I recall someone having a stinker last weekend so thought it could be plausible... If he is in fact in charge Thursday then my suggestion would incorrect.

Back to the squad... I would like to see Thomas given another run out.

Yeah, preferably at scrum half - but I can't see it.


And with respect to our front row, Jimmy has already used Olbison at prop a couple of times this season (as eccleshillbull said), so maybe my previous post about Lauaki potentially returning is wide of the mark.

Junior swaps for Oldham away ..... Just take their season ticket with you is the advice I got today from the shop.....

Hope you enjoy yourselves in the Bridge on sunday.
For those coming by car, get here early. There is limited parking near the ground and a small car-park at it.
The Social Club is cheap and cheerful and is the reason Celtic are letting Oldham share the ground - so they can get the cash to pay for a new one!
There is an Indian restaurant at the ground that does pre and post match specials. You lot may be more discerning but it isn't bad and is very friendly. It also has a separate Bar..
As for Beer, well you can't do wrong although it's a good 15 minute walk uphill to the ground from the nearest Pub.

If you're coming by Train, the best Pub in Stalybridge ( and one of the best anywhere ) is on platform 1 at Stalybridge Railway station. You can get a bus to Bower Fold outside the station on the other side of the road - 236/237 to Glossop.
Next to the station is the Q (real ale) then the Fleece which has been adopted by the Roughyeds fans and has cheap pies but no real ale, before the White House (real ale) comes next.
Taxi or Bus - you friendly landlord/lady should be able to call you a cab and it'll cost £3-4.
Wetherspoons is at the top of Melbourne St and you can call there en-route from the ones listed above.
There is the British Protection across from Tesco and up Acres Lance, the Hunters, a bit cliquey but good beer and TV sport and next to it is the Organ.

At the ground, you lot have been allocated the Lord Tom Pendry stand (seated) and I believe, if you choose to stand, you will be able to move ends at HT as at Batley (which is quite similar to BF as it happens)

So enjoy Bower Fold and your visit to the Bridge.

Going back to the referee situation briefly, apparently George Stokes has retired from being a referee. Might go some ways to explain us having Hicks at the weekend.