Ratchford to loose forward, I suspect, with one of Davis, Patton, Walker, Robson and Thewlis getting a bench spot.

My guess would be Davis or Walker for that last bench spot, I'd probably lean towards Davis, Clark can do 80 minutes when needed and Davis can always do a shift there if required. Only other question is whether you start BMM in the back row or use him as an interchange prop. Going off the Saints team selection, Price seems to favour the latter right now.

Ratchford to loose is a bit of a wildcard, I can't see it if i'm honest, but understand the desire to have Ashton & Ratchford on the field for 80 minutes.

Ratch
Charnley
Gelling
King
Mamo
Auston
Widdop
Hill
Clark
Cooper
Currie
Hughes
J clark

Philbin
BMM
Davis
Ashton

From the previous games I thought BMM came on at second row and Hughes moved into the middle at 13

I agree with this, I think that's how price will line us up for this match. I can't see him really using King in the second row aside from covering injuries but i think it's the only way to allow us to fit Ashton and ratchford in to the starting 17. Ratchford would do fine at loose forward but better to have forwards there really.

I agree

That would be my team guess as well. It would be nice to reward Robson and Thewliss for last Tuesday, but there is a CC final spot up for grabs. And I don't think I would wan't to run down Ratchford's batteries by asking him to play BR because we have Wigan and Leeds coming up after this match.

Wigan, Leeds, possible Wembley, Catalan, Salford, squad will be tested during that time certainly.

Yes, its going to be a bit of a pressure cooker from here on in isn't it ? I don't want to annoy the gods, but with no injuries atm and some really good kids that can come into the team, we are in a fortunate position. Nobody would have wished for the Covid pandemic but the youngsters must be rubbing their hands in excitement at the thought of more matches in the first team.

If we do get through to the final (salford are a good team and will not be a walkover especially in tricky conditions) then I will be hoping Leeds get past Wigan. I know that sounds abvious because it's Wigan and we don't owe them any favours but it will result in us playing Leeds again with both teams likely to rest players before the final.
If Wigan beat Leeds then we will likely be playing a full strength Leeds side in the week leading up to the final.

Of the top 5 clubs competing for 4 places Catalans have the least number of matches to play (6) and by far the easiest run in (they only play us and Saints out of the top 5). Wigan don't have a game before the CC Final, we absolutely must beat them on 9th Oct. If Leeds were to beat them this weekend in the cup that would be the best result for us.

After 71 tackles I can only see Walker being on the bench if we have injuries or if it's intended to play Daz for 70 minutes, leaving 10 for Walker.

I think Davis is more likely on the bench, wouldn't be surprised if ratchford covers clark and Ashton comes on at fb. Davis covers more positions and played fewer minutes on Tuesday.

Anyone else feeling a leetle bit giddy?!

Looking forward to it. Just hope the lads turn up with the right mindset otherwise Salford are more than capable of turning us over.

Definitely not a shoe in essentially Salford's season in one game.

I know its stating the obvious but we could do with starting well getting on top and controlling the game with little or no encouragement to the opposition.

I’d love us to win don’t get me wrong but Salford have beaten us the last 4 times we have played, they will be no pushovers and could even be slight favourites on Saturday, it’s up to the boys as under dogs to prove the doubters wrong and turn over our bogey side of recent times who have the amazing future super coach that is Watson at the helm. Fingers crossed they do it.

The bookies don't see you as underdogs. Warrington are currently 1/4 to progress to the final.

I don't think we are underdogs, it certainly won't be easy though.

For me im confident in this Wire side, there playing great rugby at the moment and more than capable of beating any team on the day so im not over concerned. yes itll be tough in the conditions but just look at the squad! Key for me is to keep Inu quiet and if they do cross the white wash we all know he can kick all over the field.

Very confident.......Wire by 20!

Yeah but can you say it in a pre kick off at Wembley last year Jamie Peacock Yarkshire accent?

Normally I would agree, but the weather worries me. Sounds like it will be pelting down all afternoon, which will make our usual offloading game more difficult. I still think we'll win but I would be pleasantly surprised if it's by a big margin.

This. Making yards and not errors will be a massive factor in how we get on.

There can be no excuses for anything other than a win.
The squad is rested, playing well and full of confidence.
Several Salford players played earlier in the week.

I don't underestimate Salford and neither should the team (only need to look back at the Catalans CC final to see what can happen). Several very good players in the Salford squad - Inu, Brown, Pauli are key for me).
If Wire apply themselves in a totally professional manner we will win.

Leeds playing the conditions perfectly, long kicking game bob on with an enthusiastic chase and low-risk football.