Russell just has to play, his kick returns and scoots are invaluable. I think he can do that job from the wing, and it takes out the weakest aspect of his game - passing, but still plays to his strengths. So Ratch Full Back, King Centre, & Russell wing for me. If Smith wants to keep Russell where he is then Ratch to centre.

England, Currie & Sims coming back really improves the look of the pack.

Ratch/Russell
Ormsby
King/Ratch
Atkins
Russell/Penny

O'Brien
Myler

Hill
Clark
Sims
Currie
Westwood
Harrison

Dwyer
England
Asotasi
Philbin


________

Wheeler
Penny / King

we said that every 3/4 months for 5 yrs

I'd love Wheels to play on thurs and rip you gypsies to pieces.

we said that too, still didnt play

shock wheeler limping off..agree with leaving russell at full back and if ratchford plays loose forward so be it

With a forward or three back in the reckoning, Ratchford is surely FB, C or putting his feet up this week?

From what i've seen (and no real knowledge !) Ratch is getting more an more bandaged up every week.
All things being equal I'd have him at centre and Russell at fb.
But how much would we benefit from having a week off to recover?

I recommend you watch Groundhog Day. Saints fans have done so for 5 years.

Ratchford was one of the very few to play without taping on Sunday.

The signing of Wheeler is as big a mystery now as it was when we signed him. Some of thought as the Stains fans know that he would be injured, others thought we could condition him right and get something of the potential once shown to reappear. However, the truth is he's followed the same path as he did at Stains with injuries. Our thoughts of cover for injured team mates proved fruitless as he was also injured. Is he not a prime candidate for cancelling a contract to help bring over a certain half back?

I'd say no as the majority of his money is earned on a pay on play contract.
In which case I would guess he has been far more value for money than, everyone's favourite Grix, Rhys and England and some.

Has he not played then as we are at the cap level or because of the injuries?

We would have to have budgeted in the cap something for his wages as having him available to play and being at cap level don't work.