Quote: Boss Hog " Ratchford included, so hopefully he is now regarded as cover for the 1st team players. Cover or not he's been given the Number 4 shirt. https://scontent.fman1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/ ... e=65B07F10

Quote: Boss Hog " Ratchford included, so hopefully he is now regarded as cover for the 1st team players. Cover or not he's been given the Number 4 shirt. https://scontent.fman1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/ ... e=65B07F10

The shirt numbers were asigned quite early on, even before the full squad were back in training.

My guess is that the senior players, and especially Ratchford as last season's captain, were given their same numbers out of respect. The line up for Widnes, assuming that there are no players unavailable due to injury, seems to hint at the fact that King and Wrench are in pole position for starting places in the centre and also Powell being ahead of Dwyer as interchange hooker.

I would not try to read too much into this selection. Probably shows we are a bit thin at reserve half-back. Worth watching though.

When is the game?

Friday 26th January with a 19-30 Kick-off.

Weather is forecast to be decent also.

Notice no Wesley Bruines named. I was half expecting him to feature.
Unless of course he will be lining up the following week at Centre with Wrench on the wing.

Help please. I will be tucked up many miles away on Friday. Is it on any local radio or will I have to pick up Guardian updates?

It’s likely the Guardian will cover it.

I think that they have, so far, only named the starting 13 for the Widnes game. Bruines may well be on the bench.

Not much info on the club website, but I assume it’s pay on the gate for the north stand this time, since it’s not going to be busy?

I’m quite excited at the prospect of seeing what Lindop and Tai can do. With Ratchford and Hayes in the halves and Thewlis at the back, there’s enough of a spine to make for an entertaining attacking game.

Heard that the North Stand is nearly sold-out, and the South Stand is available for Wire fans, if you want to stand.

Ah okay, thanks. I thought I'd read it was North or West only. Happy to stand in the South.

Those fans who have already purchased tickets for the North Stand can exchange them for South Stand tickets if they want to.

Just swopped mine at the Club Shop.

That’s different I’m in South anyways but good to know.