But why take someone out who is playing really well? That's kills their run of form, I understand where you're coming from, but I don't think they should be dropped or 'rested'

Well between Evans and Bridge you've got one who's not playing all that well and one who's trying to put together a run after a terrible season of injury. Also, if Ryan needs game time (which I think he should get) then Bridge on the bench isn't a bad shout as he covers centre and LF so start Ryan, see how he goes, use Bridgey at loose forward or bring him on if Ryan's struggling.

I really think going into the play offs we need as many players ready to slot in as, when or if they're needed. Hodgson definitely as if he can get back to some form he makes us tick in attack and with our kicking, which we've seen from Leeds is how titles are really won.

Why doesn't Hodgson deserve his place back?
Atkins hasn't got any recent form, he hasn't played for a couple of months. He has to play and I believe that Smith will start with him.

I am not happy with the squad TS is taking to France, virtually no one rested and our strongest available 17 playing. Just praying that Lee or Mickey or Hilly or Joel don't cop an injury.

Its going to be at least 30c come Kick Off time, plus the players will have had a long journey. This game was crying out to rest our big match players and give others in our squad some game time.

For me,

Hodgson - needs to get back on the horse and drink his milk if he's to exorcise and demons about being hit before the real games begin
Joel
Bridge or Evans -depends on how TS really rates either of them. Bridge's form isn't great but can be solid if that's all that's needed. I suspect TS thinks Evans is a bit fragile but has some good attributes that can turn chances into points.
Atkins - he needs to get a match or two before the real knock-out games come around so he has to play
Briers
Ratchford - these two need to play together in the halves as Myler isn't looking as though he'll be back for some time. Game time is what there two need to forge that connection
Hill - nuff said
Higham - more than enough said
Woody - solid at the moment so gets a start with a break after 20
Waterhouse - starting to score in the big games again, let's hope his play-off form from last season returns
Westwood - playing solid if not out of his skin at the moment but I see no reason to drop or rest him
Harrison - played well against the Stains and is only just back from injury so still needs a bit more game time to sharpen up

Moz - I expect a big impact from Captain M as he potentially has only four more games as a Wire and from his comments about winning the GF in this country he wants to earn one rather than just rely on his guest spell for Bratford
Monas - in for his big game experience - I expect young Dwyer to play more next season in his place
Carvs - same as for Moz, I really hope he goes out on a high
Grix - solid and my player of the year, gives options all over the park if needed in an emergency (let's hope he only gets [inormal[/i game time)

Overall, I reckon only Myler is missing from what I would say is our strongest team. Wire win by 16 against Le Cats.

Hodgson- needs to find some form and fitness
Evans- Decent run out last week, another game to get him to match fitness should he be needed in the PO
Bridge- Needs form, lacking a bit of confidence too
Atkins- Needs a run, a fit Atkins is a massive boost coming into the PO
Riley- Young enough to recover and go again next week
Briers- Not in good form, could do with a decent performance
Ratchford- Probably scrum half for next week, so get him back their this week
Wood-On good form, keep the consistency going
Monaghan- More minutes, try and get more of a hold on the game
Morley- Again, minutes needed. Hill being so good has hampered his game time
Grix- Like to see him back in the pack, Westwood to have a week off
Waterhouse- Needs to impress for me. Was no where near good enough on Friday. With a fully fit squad, could be in danger of missing out.
Harrison- Look a better team with him in it. Grafter of the highest calibre.

Higham- Can't keep him out of it, great form
Carvell- Back to somewhere near his best last week, good to see
Cooper- Played well at Saints, deserves a spot
Hill- A couple of shorter spells for him, but a good test against a massive pack building up to Leeds

Monaghan and Westwood to have the week off for me. You know exactly what you are going to get from them, and have been mainstays throughout the season, have a week off this week in lieu of a big one next week to earn another week off.

Personally I'd have sent the kids plus Hodgson and Atkins to give them some game time after injury. Sending out that team is a risky tactic in my opinion.

I stand by Smith on this one. Play the side you'd want out in the GF as much as possible between now and the end of the campaign. Get some form for individuals and try to gel the combinations and build some momentum in the squad. Injuries may happen, they may not, but disrupting the side at this time seems riskier than losing a player - which could happen 10 minutes in the GF or not at all, so why bank on it and lose coherence.

Go and win the game, as Leeds did last night. Worry about the playoffs from Monday.

I think I'm in the camp of playing our strongest team possible. Leeds will be a tough ask in the play offs so we need everyone up to speed, fo me that means no resting of players. As a caveat though, any one genuinely nursing an injury, probably shouldn't be risked in the heat of Catalan.

its all about building and maintaining momentum and intensity....best team on the park from now until final whistle on grand Final night. 4 wins away from being champions.

The away day in France will be a great time for some pre-play-off team bonding.

No Joel tomorrow

Atkins will be playing for sure as he has only really trained fully for a week or so. Briers and Ratch in the halves as they need to develop some understanding...quickly.

I am keeping my fingers crossed that Myler can play some part in the play-offs though.

Again no Currie, is he injured?

Catalans have a strong pack, so it's best to keep that main pack structure we have now with everything rolling well off higham, I reckon Joel and and briers to be rested might help, let Monaghan and ratchford have another go at the halfs and put evans on the wing, he does have pass to burn!