I would like to see Reynolds and Hampshire at half back on Sunday. We already know what Drinkwater is about so no point playing / risking him. I really want a look at Brown in the full back role as well. He has not been given the number 1 shirt as a token gesture so that would be interesting.

Also I do not want Willie Tonga to state he is not 100% or this or that or what ever feels tight. I want to see him ready, unleashed and raring to go as patience is now beginning to run a little thin.

Even a 100% Willie Tonga doesn't get in This team brown was very with ball in hand and in the tackle, crookes is what we have been missing in the 3/4's he's got pace and lots of it... Tonga is a liability in defence and never fit, I would of rather kept the worthington than Tonga

You don't get Kangaroo caps being a liability in defence

But Leyth fans know better C&W, with Australian coaches always asking advice about who should be in their 17

To be fair it's more a liability of a quota spot being taken up If Leigh carry him for another season.I think that's the point being made. Take nothing away from him,his pass to Dawson in the Salford qualifier was sublime.

He does need to get his ar$e in gear now though.

Contracts protect both sides, or should do. Willie will want to finish on a high, his pre season seems to indicate that.

1.Mitch Brown.
2.Matty Dawson.
3.Ben Crooks.
4.Willie Tonga.
5.Adam Higson.
6.Martin Ridyard.
7.Josh Drinkwater
8.Dane Weston.
9.Mickey Higham.
10.Gaz Hock.
11.Glenn Stewart.
12.Harrison Hansen.
13.Corey Patterson.

14.Eloi Pelissier.
15.Sam Hopkins.
16.Green, forgot his first name.
17.Danny Tickle.

This is of course when everyone is fit,I've obviously not seen Lachlan Burr play,and I think Hampshire, Clare,Vea,Hood,Reynolds,and I'm sure a few others I've forgot will be challenging them for places as the Season unfolds, I suppose we all have our 17 in mind,and most will be different.

1.Ryan Hampshire
2.Matty Dawson.
3.Ben Crooks.
4.Mitch Brown
5.Adam Higson. J.Clare if Higgy not fit
6.Martin Ridyard.
7.Josh Drinkwater
8.Dane Weston.
9.Mickey Higham.
10.Gaz Hock.
11.Glenn Stewart.
12.Harrison Hansen.
13.Corey Patterson.

14.Eloi Pelissier.
15.Sam Hopkins.
16.James Green,
17.Atelea Vea.


Might change mi mind after this Sunday.

Contracts in RL are not worth the paper written upon.I hope to seen him start on a high would be my preference MO.

Not sure if he'll be different for you, but when Cas had both their halves injured last year, Powell played a hooker and a prop there before Hampshire got a look in. He's great on the wing though.

How did you go on when you had a hooker & a prop in the halves? I genuinely can't remember.

BTW - Rocky went well for us on Sunday.

We did alright. Won a CC match against Salford and then another match the week later.

Glad he's doing alright, but still don't think halves are for him.

I just can't get my head around why you must have one then, could be the new garlic bread this no contracts rule

Cheers BD.



I don't think he'll play in the halves unless we get injuries,however,he will now take the fullback spot due to Mc Nally's injury.

Centre is the position MO we lack depth in.I'll go with whats on the cards,not a problem.But if we end up switching players to cover that position constantly,i'll return to haunt you.

Centre is a position all lack depth in, especially England. We have 3 and a couple who could fill in, so are better than most. What you need to get your head around is that Tonga is one of those 3, he didn't choose to be injured and he is contracted so let's support him and let Derek deal with our needs once we know what they are, after about5/6 games. I am sure if Tonga hasn't showed and we are weak in that position he will do what's needed, I am confident Tonga will have a great season

I think thats 2 Mo and 3 could actually fill in,Tonga being one of the two..Browns position is FB,but can't get there because of Tonga..Hopefully things will change and I do support Tonga,but he needs to take to the field the same way he takes to a bicycle.

I am not 100% on my prefered 17 yet, but then Jukes is I/C of team selection.

I would however like to see Hampshire at FB, Riddy at 6, Drinky 7, Weston 8, Hood & Pellisier at 9, GS, HH & Corey.

Hock, Acton, Green, Hopkins.

AJ, Mitch, Clare & Crooks in the 3/4's.

Despite the miracle pass, I don't thank W.Tonga's heart is in it.

Hope there will be cap space for another centre.

No Higham then


Think his leadership skills will be vital, and he won't have to do as many minutes this season with the other 2. Appreciate age is against him, but he still has a lot to offer for me

Spot on Col. Presumably Neil has selected Higham as his captain to do a job ON the pitch, as well as off it?

Alan ,I would think Micky Higham would be in everyone's 17,for his enthusiasm,leadership,and go forward,he looks to have trained the house down in close season,I realise it would be hard to leave out Pellissier and Hood but 3 into 2 doesn't go, and Jukesy has a hard enough job picking his 17 to start anyway,I'm already a Ben Crooks, James Green,and Ben Reynolds fan after Sunday, bring on the Dews.Charlie is ready.

Damn right he has a lot to give Col

I only left Micky Higham out as I 'think' he will be used more sparingly & it will be his last playing season.

I see M.H moving into more of a coaching/mentoring role at the club, his influence & knowledge will be very positive for Hood & pellisier & the whole team will benefit just by his presence.

Odd choice as captain then Ste?

Well unless he has had a leg chopped off or summation similar, I will be amazed if he is not in the 17 most of the time. Granted there may be times when he gets rested, but sometimes age is not a barrier and he seemed to manage more than alright in the middle 8s

Deffo starts for me - last season or not

1. Hampshire
2. Clare
3. Brown
4. Crooks
5. Dawson
6. Reynolds
7. Drinkwater
8. Maria
9. Hood
10. Weston
11. Patterson
12. Stewart
13. Hansen

14. Pelissier
15. Green
16. Hopkins
17. Vea

Reserve Team:

1. McNally
2. Higson
3. Smith
4. Tonga
5. Thompson
6. Ridyard
7. Foster
8. Hock
9. Higham
10. Acton
11. Burr
12. Mid season signing
13. Tickle

I think this is Ben Reynolds year, he played brilliantly against Wigan, and should be given his chance against his old club in the first game.