I don't know who TS will leave out.
But if Rusell does play, utilising his scoot from quick ptb would only be good for us v pies.
He would be positional better on the wing to do this but I still don't trust Atkins in defence without Evans.
So catch 22.
Safety 1st. Play Rhys wing.

Heavy rain possible for the match so TS may have to leave his team till the last minute.

Same team as last week.

Agreed.

But a note of caution. Ratch was excellent against Cas but whether the way Wigan play will allow him to repeat that remians to be seen. I think Wigan are far more structured and the gaps won't be there

Quote: ninearches "Heavy rain possible for the match so TS may have to leave his team till the last minute.'" Not according to this. www.metoffice.gov.uk/public/weat ... 1412290800

Quote: ninearches "Heavy rain possible for the match so TS may have to leave his team till the last minute.'" Not according to this. www.metoffice.gov.uk/public/weat ... 1412290800

I think the decision on FB should come down to the 1-on-1 tackling ability and the confidence at catching high balls.

I really hope Russell's injury hasn't knocked his confidence, he's gunna face a lot of high balls with a fast chase and for that reason alone I'd choose Ratch. He would be more confident at dealing with them.

m.skysports.com/article/rugbyleague//9497958 Making a late decision regarding Matty Russell.

m.skysports.com/article/rugbyleague//9497958 Making a late decision regarding Matty Russell.

The end of that article suggests TS would prefer Ratchford.

Difficult to select this weeks team because we don't know if Matty will play.
I'm taking Ratch to start at FB.

Stefan Ratchford
Rhys Evans
Ryan Atkins
Chris Bridge
Joel Monaghan
Gareth O’Brien
Richie Myler
Anthony England
Michael Monaghan
Chris Hill
Trent Waterhouse
James Laithwaite
Ben Harrison

Ben Currie
Roy Asotasi
Ben Evans
Micky Higham

To miss out
Matthew Russell
Paul Wood

+1.

Although Wood will likely start ahead of B Evans for some unknown and bizarre reason.

Surely Smith will have Russell on the bench, or has he learned nothing from the error of his ways and last year's GF fiasco?

[/SarcasmEnds]

Wood and Russell to miss out.

The weather forecast is almost always wrong at this time of year, too many variables to predict.

Is it just me or is there an overwhelming excitement around this game. I've found myself reading RL press and forums all day, can't take my eyes of it!

Bring on Friday!

I'm for a bench spot for Russell. I have no problems with having a back sub. especially as we have so many flexible players. He is one if not [ithe[/i most dangerous runner so he must be picked if fit. If we were running out of time and we need to score I bet he'd do a good job at loose forward (or second hooker). He could scoot from dummy half all he wants then. Get 'im in.