If Smith's prepared to bin off Hodgson for next season, I can see him dropping him for the rest of this year. Ratch is the (very near) future at FB, so he's gonna get this test at some point, and I can see that being this year.
However, IMHO one of the reasons Smith is the best coach is SL is that he will pick a team to play an opposition, unlike say Cullen, who would always go with his best 17. Horses for courses, so against a tight defence like Hull, I'd pick Hodgson over Ratch. However, against a strong kicking team like Hudds, or Leeds, Ratch for his better kick return. Against Saints, I'll play, cos they're pants, and we'll win easily anyway
Grix is the one I'm worried for. In our top 3 players this year I think, but could he , maybe like Ratch, fall foul of 'Appo syndrome'? He's not in our top 2 halves, or best 2 centres, and Westwood, Waterhouse and Harrison are all likely ahead of him for starting back row spots. Which means he's vying for a bench seat-8,9,10 are dead certs, and as above Ratch or Hodgson likely to get a shot, for variety reasons. Unless we're against a big forward pack (Hudds) where it's likely to be attritional (and therefore 4 forwards on the bench) I fear he might miss out on a final spot agian (assuming we get there of course!!)
For me, Ratch and Grix have earnt their spots though, and I hope to see them in the 17.
Nice to be in a position where this is an issue though, both from the point of view that our squad is this good, and that they're all fit. Just need to perform for 160 minutes now!!!
