It's very hard to change a team that won so impressively as we did yesterday. On the other side, it's hard to not play Myler and Hodgson when they're available, they're fantastic players. I think you could make a huge push for Myler to play but not Hodgson, not playing Myler means playing Grix out of position which isn't ideal for the biggest game of our season. I don't think you can drop/move Ratch.

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!!!

I would think grix is one of the first names on the team sheet.

Hull have beaten us twice off the back of their good kicking game... surely ratchford at FB for this game.

I would have Grix in the side in front of Waterhouse

Now that it is looking like Lee will be available for the Semi what team should TS play.

This was the team I posted on Sunday & a lot of you said no way should Ratch be left out.

I can see why you say this because Ratch is class. But Ryan & Bridgey are better Centres, Richie is a better No 7 & Brett is better at coming into the line at the right moment to give the final pass to our Centres or Wings. If we were to put Ratch on the bench then we would lose a forward spot such as Ben Currie or Coops.

Its a real dilemma

Hodgson
Riley
Bridge
Ryan
Joel
Lee
Richie
Hilly
Mickey H
Woody
Trent
Super Ben
Grix

Moz
Carvell
Monas M
Ben H

I understand FB but I'm in the 'We can't leave Ratchford out camp'. If Ritchie is fully fit and plays Bert to miss out for me Stef at 1

if the rumors about Hodgson having doubts about coming back after that blow to the head are true, there is no way he should be brought into the team for such a big game.

I would rather if push come to shove play Ratch than Riley. Ratch will be in the 17 that's for sure. His ability to find a hole and burst through it will ensure he's in the squad. We're a more dangerous team when Myler plays and we play more on the front foot and at speed.
What a dilemma to have.

Forgive me but didn't Brett play against St Helens after the Widnes game?

Riley?? bit harsh WW

I concede that certain players can cover more than one position, but, that's a kick in the 'ginger nuts' too far for me

No

as harsh as it may sound, if all are fit then a back line of:
Hodgo
Atkins
Ratch
Bridge
Monas

would be very solid! not too sure how Atkins' positional sense as a winger would work but that would be one hell of a back line. Might be too big of a risk to try that now though.

My post is based on the need to defend well and go forward at pace. I'm not giving Riley a bashing here and don't want to be I internet bullied but I just feel he's lost his rawness and at times switches off in defence and runs across the line of defenders as opposed to running forward. This is just my opinion. People don't rate Trent Waterhouse at times but I do, it's the beauty of opinions. There like we've all got one.

You play Ratchford ahead of Bridge. Couldn't be simpler really.