It’s sad to think like this, but if we went down to 12 men early, Crowther’s engine could become an asset, against Philbin who is more effective in shorter bursts.

That said, Philbin could change a game when he is on his best form.

Been a long time since Philbin changed a game for us?

Although Crowther's average gain is pretty low (6.14) he outperforms Philbin in terms of work rate and tackles. He is also not coming back from an injury.

Really think he will go with Crowther over Philbin

Agreed, but if you’re struggling to get out of your own end and look along the bench to see who could make a difference, I’d look to Philbin. With ball in hand a much better asset.

You’re right though, effort areas, kick pressure etc. Crowther is a cut above. If we had a lead to hold, safer pair of hands.

Philbin was excellent against saints a few weeks ago, the best I've seen him for a very long time. If he's a doubt though he's absolutely not worth the risk. We should have no hesitatìon naming Crowther over anyone who isn't fully fit, he's never let's us down and his attitude is spot on, he doesn't seem to care where he plays, he just does his job. I think for the pack Musgrove, harrison, Yates and Vaughan have to play.

I was at that match a few weekends ago and we never really had to get out of 2nd gear to beat them, so hopefully saints will play like that again. Regardless of recent form though, they still have very capable players and they're a champion club, they have it in them to beat absolutely anyone convincingly, so whilst we should be confident, I just never, ever am against Saints.

I think 16 out of the 17 pick themselves. However I think I would go with Philbin over Crowther tomorrow. Saints have a pretty big back and we could do with Philbin's size. He also seems to always play well against them.

Personally I’d go with Philbin but Burgess will go for Crowther. As improved as he’s been recently I wouldn’t be against Philbin replacing Musgrove.

The only way I'd consider NOT playing Crowther is if Fitzgibbon was available and we had one of Nicholson or Bateman on the bench. It's a shoot out between Philbin and Musgrove for me, one that Musgrove probably just about wins due to consistency, though I think Philbin offers more impact.

Dufty
Thewlis
Tai
King
Ashton
Williams
Drinkwater
Vaughan
Powell
Yates
Bateman
Nicholson
Currie

Walker
Musgrove
Harrison
Crowther

18th Man Philbin

I

i think musgrove missing out after how he's played in the 3 games while vaughan is out is hard call.

for me he should be retaining his starting spot

Good luck for tomorrow (Cas Fan)

SB's going with Philbin over Crowther.

Starting props are Yates & Musgrove as it stands.

No decision has been made over whether Walker or Powell starts.

You have to play Philbin vs Saints, it's a no brainer. Seems weird to be in a position where there isn't space in the 17 for two excellent, in-form players in Lindop and Crowther.

Why do you feel it's a no brainer? Crowther has been excellent, Philbin has been injured.

Obviously depends on Philbin being fully fit. But all of his best ever performances have been against Saints and he really gives it the opposition - which needs to be our mindset tonight.

Philbin was exceptional against Saints.