I've been told by a source close to the club that we have a secret plan.Its evidently so secret that even the players won't be told.

Will be told after the match

If this is to keep up the ‘will he, won’t he?’ bluff, then it’s embarrassing. Blake already mentioned on social media that he isn’t playing. One of the mouth-breathers on redvee saying it makes us look small time, and for once I agree.

Though if he [iwas[/i to play, I would love it just because that lot will explode with incredulity and go all indignant, “it’s a mockery of the rules... he even [isaid[/i he wasn’t playing”, etc.

But it all looks a little desperate from here, whatever the motive.

Edit: redvee bemoaning the ban, one guy saying he’s “desperate to put them (us) back in their box”.

... I hope we shock a few people (I know we won’t!) just for that comment alone. Horrible arrogant bunch, the lot of them.

I don't think it's Austin. I think it's just going to be a huge tactical change we want to keep secret...like the high hopeful hoof on the fifth is gonna go to Goodwins side and not Kings. Genius.

But unfair tarring us all with the same brush just because you’ve read posts from 1 single fans forum......

Matty Smith is playing with a Blake Austin latex prosthetic face mask.

There’s something proper weird about that

Not really. I suspect I'm like most Saints fans in that I believe Austin is going to play. If he doesn't it'll be a pleasant surprise for us. You wouldn't be playing mind games to this extent if there wasn't even a possibility because everyone in the sport will know once it's been decided. Players talk to each other, particularly the Kiwi/Aussie contingent. Saints will have considered each eventuality anyway, there isn't going to be anyone surprised by your lineup, unless you do something odd.

Price has confirmed he 100% wont play, he is looking at currie, livett, ratchford or for some bizarre reason hughes replacing him, or a combination depending on how the game goes