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I’m not sure what Sanderson’s qualities are like in terms of defensive organisation but considering he’s played FB before I’d go for this for the Sheffield game:

1. Sanderson
2. Hamlett
3. R. Evans
4. Oakes
5. Wallis
6. Pickersgill
7. Brough
8. Walker
9. Doyle
10. Crossley
11. Gallagher
12. B. England
13. Fleming

14. Flanagan
15. Nzoungou
16. Scurr
17. B. Evans

I’d start Walker because I genuinely think he will be a good prop at this level once he gets fit. Let him have the opening 10-15 mins and empty his tank. Then replace him with either Nzoungou or Fleming (and put Scurr/Evans/Rooks at 13). Then have Walker back for just after halftime or in the last 15-20 mins for impact.

I’d include Wallis because I think Brown isn’t good enough. Nothing against the lad, just don’t think he’s a first team player and DFJ is a little lightweight and we can’t really afford that against Rob Worrincy and Ryan Miller. Wallis also looked good for HKR too.

Rooks gets left out. Until he can work on his defence snd I think Gallagher and England have been much better this pre-season.

Fleming to 13 to sure up the middle with some size since we have lost Hallas’ workrate. Other option would be to have Scurr there and have Nzoungou and Fleming as bench props.

Hopefully we sign Ben Evans and he can hit the ground running after having a full pre-season with Toulouse.

Lockdown blues.

I watched the Sheff v York 1st half and it was a quicker game than Fev v Bulls. I thought Fev were just about competent and we'd need to improve significantly to beat Sheff.

Everyone keeps telling me that outside of Fev, Toulouse, Leigh and York the sides are much of a muchness and we'll finish comfortably in mid table and could get as high as 5th. However I think we're in danger of being complacent.

Not sure they'll be competing with us this season!

Oh yeah

So we’ve Murphy and Evans to fit in, only Hallas is definitely out.
You can’t fault any of the 17 against Fev for effort. Who’s going to cover 13? Evans or Fleming may be able to - or 1 of the second row? Murphy, Gallagher or Rooks?
My own thought would be Evans to 13. Murphy to start, Rooks to the bench. Both B England and Walker to miss out with Levy getting a bench spot.

I don't really rate Rooks at all. I'd maybe bring Murphy off the bench with it being his first game.

The big decision is at HB. I know Brown has had some criticism but he hasn't really seemed to have had a role IMO I haven't really liked us having him at stand off one minute then out on the wing the next. Think last week should have been used to see what Race could do.

I think having a third prop at 13 is definitely the way to go with us unsure at HB

I think being moved around from one position to another can make it really difficult for a young player. Especially given that it's been ages since we played properly so I'm prepared to cut Brown some slack for a while.

I too think Gallagher is ahead of Rooks. If Murphy is fit he gets in the team. Hallas is a big loss as we missed his workrate and commitment.

Personally I think apart from Murphy who we haven't seen yet, Brad England has been our best 2nd row followed by Gallagher.

For me it’s:

1. Sanderson
2. Hamlett
3. R. Evans
4. Oakes
5. Wallis/DFJ
6. Pickersgill
7. Brough
8. Crossley
9. Doyle
10. Walker
11. Murphy
12. Gallagher
13. Fleming

14. Flanagan
15. B. Evans
16. Nzoungou
17. B. England

I so can't wait for this, was absolutely gutted re the Fev game but the league is the biggie. Not saying we will win the comp, I'd be well happy if we get into the top 5 or even 6th.