Good squad, feel sorry for the 4 to miss out.

As stated elsewhere, this punter will wait for the 17s. Roll on Saturday.

Yes, Wildie, Kheirallah and Kopczak are all in the squad, but we knew they would be anyway, partly because they will probably all be facing late fitness tests, and partly because there isn't really anyone else to put in. Holmes, Mathiou, Trout, McConnell and young Jacob Doyle are all out on loan, Hardcastle and Gill are both out long-term with injury, and Jones is suspended. Gaz Gale is in the squad too yet we know he has a broken hand.

That said, the fact we haven't recalled anyone from loan suggests we are happy enough with who we've got so I reckon most if not all the questionable ones will strap up and be on the field.

If that's the case then I would expect Wildies ribs to be tested very early doors although I don't think he will run from dummy half much. Keep making the fullback run for kicks.

Not sure I remember Wildie ever making darting runs from dummy half. His super power is the ability to pass 5 yards to an oncoming forward. I was disappointed early season because Hingano and Smith were shovelers. Thankfully Leigh signed Edwin Ipape, and everything is good in the world.

Personally I always like Wilde when he was with us, a good interchange with Hood.

Smith is sold and I just think Hingano lacks confidence and is better in the halves, both are more solid in their defence than their go forward though.

I find tomorrow's match to be quite the psychological tussle, McDermott, who has always seemed to have a bee in his bonnet about Leigh since our rather close 2014(?) Challenge Cup meeting with a Leeds team in their pomp, is playing Fev up as the underdog this time.

I've not seen Fev play this season so all I can go off is the names in the squad and their past performances.

Win, lose or draw this match is just a palate cleanser for the first match and a prelude to what lies ahead in the rest of the season.

Most of the pundits are going with Fev for a narrow win, with the exception of Garry Schofield. Even the betting establishment are favouring Fev. I have no problem with the underdog tag, and hope that Lammy can use it to our advantage.

I was supposed to be away this weekend but due to Covid symptoms today I’ve had to cancel. Upside, I’ll be home and hopefully able to find a stream of the game. It’s a 4am kickoff in my world but I’ll be up and at least listening on radio Manchester/Leeds.
I’m going for a narrow win by the boys, but we need to set our stall simple and penalty free for the first 20 mins. Then Ipape can run em ragged when he comes on.
Up The Comics !

The "injured" trio all starting for Fev. This could be squeaky bum time. COYL!