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.

I like Russell, he's improved massively over the season.
But my gut feeling is this game is one too soon for him, Wigan would no doubt pepper him with bombs and aggressive chasers thinking his mind won't be a 100%.
Any other game I wouldn't mind him starting, but this game is massive! I think ratch is solid and provides the 3rd pivot which works so well for us.
I think if used as a dummy half in late spells, Russell could be devastating through the middle.
Paul wood should lose his spot to him, been dreadful against Wigan and cas, cost us 1 of those games, runs sideways and offloads in ridiculous situations!!

What?! Have you been watching Atkins for the last half season? Yes the first half this season he was poor bit the the man is playing recently like a sophisticated tackling robot, sent back through time to change the course of history for one lucky team!

Surely a back is a waste of a bench spot against a big aggressive Pies pack? We need to smash them down the middle, that's where this will be won. I can't imagine TS is about to change the play sheet, but who knows what's up his sleeve?

I have and what you have said has done nothing but further affirm what I said.
Don't assume I think he is bad, because I don't. I think he has gained confidence while being supported by Evans. I just don't yet wish to see him along sides another Riley or Penny sized player in case he loses his nerve.

I suspect a tactical move by TS.

By mentioning, but not confirming Russell's return, he's got Wigan wondering if it's worth spending precious time working on their high bombs and fast chase.

As Ratch and Russell are 2 pretty different players, and Ratch being able to slot in anywhere, it'll make Wigan's gameplan harder by not being able to know the likely positions of key players.