Why are we having this duscussion? We all know that Smith won't experiment in such an important game. My thoughts are that he'll leave Russell out on the basis that it's too soon for a return. For those discussing Atkins and his form, was i the only person who saw an article re Ryan fairly early in the season that explained his poor form at the time? He had been involved in a serious Road Traffic Accident that had preyed on his mind for some time and this had affected his form.

dont let the facts and common sense get in the way of an 'i dont trust him defensively' statement... even if it has no substance to it whatsoever.

Playing Russell at FB would be a huge risk - as has been commented on, WIgan would use every tactic legitimate and otherwise to unnerve a player who took a very, very, very heavy knock.

If Ratchford turns in another Cas performance, he could be the difference. Yes, the Wigan defence will be tighter but that's the reason players like Ratch are invaluable in this type of game. Unorthodox and blessed with improvisation, and even the WIgan defence would have succumbed to that offload for GOBs try.

Other than that, I'd leave well alone other than Evans for Wood. Ben may not be match fit but he's good for bench spot and Wood has been appaling - Ratch is the man who could turn a loss into a win, Wood could do the reverse on this years form.

You're absolutely right.

I think the point is, Atkins and Evans have struck a balance and a strong partnership, so don't break it up.

Personally, I think the Bridge Monaghan partnership is the same, as is the Myler O'Brien. Monaghan is a starter, as are Hill, Harrsion, Laithwaite and Waterhouse. Unless Ratchford plays in the pack with England dropping to the branch, I can't see Russell playing.

Unless he starts Ratchford at fullback, and puts Russell on the bench instead of Currie, and Ratchford does the loose forward job when Harrison goes off? Seems to be too many changes for such a big game, but who knows.

Russell in....Wood out.

Ratchford FB Russell on the bench.

You have to be on a wind up with this Russell scooting being easier from the wing bollucks.

We might find out tomorrow.
Russell is on the bench and Ratchford starts FB.

its logic....he wont have to run as far to take the ball up from dummy half....Doh!

From what has been said about the officials tonight it may not matter what team we put out there !

but he would! he'd have to run in from the other side of the pitch instead of following behind the play in centre of the field haha.

The acting half comes in from the side the ptb is made. Atkins or Evans on the left, Joel does it on the right.

Russell will come off the bench. He'll come in for the dropped Wood.

I''ll presume we'll try and get as much as we can from Harrison, before moving Ratchford to loose forward and Russell off the bench to FB.

i reckon it'll be o'brien off, bridge to six, joel to centre and russell on the wing.