I am a big fan of Stuart's and rate him as the best full back in this division, certainly defensively as again demonstrated today with brave interventions and covering.

BUT it is clear that he isn't fit, and by isn't fit I mean he isn't fit to be playing rugby week in week out. I see him hobbling around every Sunday after a game and today he came off and didn't look too clever at full time (I didn't think he was going to make it out of the tunnel at half time!) Now I know we have a couple of injuries at the moment but we have a perfectly suitable replacement in Ian Mort at the club to fill in if Donlan was to miss a week. I'm not sure what is wrong with Donlan weather he would just need a week without a game to recover or if it's something a bit more serious than that but i'm worried at seeing him after every game he plays barely being able to walk and then seeing him struggle through the next game.

If he does need a rest then it has to be next week. We can't have anybody who isn't fully fit in the semi. And I wouldn't like to go into the semi without Donlan, he has been one of our most consistent players this season.

It's he who puts his hand up to pllay week in week out, he was offered a rest but refused it.

I figured something like that may have happened. I commend his bravery and commitment, however, I think after today I feel the coaching staff and physio/doctor have a duty of care. It's to the point now where Stuart carrying a niggle or an injury could affect his performance.

Sounds a bit like Knotty, this. And look what happened to him ....

Exactly

Just heard he is being rested this sunday so he can play on the thursday any truth in this

I think it reached the stage yesterday Fred where he shouldn't have offered a rest, and told to park his 'arris on the bench - was completely out of character for his missed tackle for their try and he didn't look comfortable all afternoon.

Does Morty offer a direct replacement or does he weaken the team? Millward hasn't played him even when we have been so short in the backs that AJ plays on the wing so i would think that him coming straight into the lineup would be a suprise.

Morty played at Bradford, didn't he? He's been looking in good shape for the reserves as well. Only other option would be Maden at full back I presume, depending on the availability of Blythe at centre.

Im sure Millward will be glad of all the assistance

Morty came on against Bradfud buts thats been pretty much it hasn't it? he would of played wing for me before Higson but like i say Basil knows best and thats why i wonder if Morty will get on.

I'll leave that one to you to tell him Matt