Ethan Havard torn a hamstring in training.

[quote="MadDogg":xc2ss0uj]Ethan Havard torn a hamstring in training.[/quote:xc2ss0uj] A real shame. Any word on how bad it is? He's obviously had those issues before, so hopefully it's not as bad as a couple of them.

Imagine it depends on the severity of the tear, could be weeks to months. Hopefully nothing major and he’s back on the field in no time. I’m sure Harvie Hill ready to step in, be good to see him have a good run of games

Really is a shame how many pre season injuries there has been across the clubs before a competitive game has started. Read today that Nikotemo and Scott are out long term for Wakefield, Huddersfield have a ton missing, Sivo for Leeds etc. I guess it can't be helped as you're treading a fine line between protecting the players and going in underprepared.

[quote="MadDogg":25nx7b1y]Ethan Havard torn a hamstring in training.[/quote:25nx7b1y] Will be a big miss. I didn't really rate him massively until the end of last year (thought his defence was sometimes sloppy and didn't run the ball in with enough aggression), I thought he was superb - him and Thompson doing 60-70+ minutes every game is a huge advantage for us.

Saw the interview now where Peet mentions it and calls it a massive blow for him and us. Didn't leave me feeling it's a minor one but we'll see. Every cloud and all that, it at least means we should be able to fit Harvie Hill in the side and I think he deserves that.

[quote="NickyKiss":e4qq7d09]Saw the interview now where Peet mentions it and calls it a massive blow for him and us. Didn't leave me feeling it's a minor one but we'll see. Every cloud and all that, it at least means we should be able to fit Harvie Hill in the side and I think he deserves that.[/quote:e4qq7d09] Agree, it could be a sort of blessing in one way. Keeps Byrne interested / motivated (not that i am saying he isnt)in the early part of the season, and hopefully gives Hill game time too. So when Havard is fit, we'll hopefully have both Byrne and Hill still fit and can rotate them around off the bench

[quote="Mark_P1973":2smj7hup]Agree, it could be a sort of blessing in one way. Keeps Byrne interested / motivated (not that i am saying he isnt)in the early part of the season, and hopefully gives Hill game time too. So when Havard is fit, we'll hopefully have both Byrne and Hill still fit and can rotate them around off the bench[/quote:2smj7hup] It will be interesting to see who Peet goes with as a starting prop alongside Thompson out of Byrne, Dupree or perhaps even Hill. Suspect it will be Byrne.

[quote="MadDogg":37lrrjtj]It will be interesting to see who Peet goes with as a starting prop alongside Thompson out of Byrne, Dupree or perhaps even Hill. Suspect it will be Byrne.[/quote:37lrrjtj] Yes, think it will be Byrne as he would be 3rd choice prop normally IMO, and can do big minutes. Then Dupree, Hill and Mago used as we did last season. I would think Matty Peet will be looking at giving Thompson and Byrne about 50 minutes in this game in preparation for next week, plus Dupree and Hill get a good run out too

Could we go with Walters for the time being not sure about how long he can do

Byrne and Thommo starting with Dupree, Mago and Hill on the bench. Walters next in line for the bench spot should one of them miss.

[quote="NickyKiss":2g1eb04p]Saw the interview now where Peet mentions it and calls it a massive blow for him and us. Didn't leave me feeling it's a minor one but we'll see. Every cloud and all that, it at least means we should be able to fit Harvie Hill in the side and I think he deserves that.[/quote:2g1eb04p] Did he say torn or pulled hamstring? I think the massive blow might be in relation to missing vegas

Any news on Miski? I ain’t seen anything about him being injured. Maybe some issues back home

Thought I'd read that those not in the squad were people who didn't respond well to the 3G surface that's in Sheffield?

I don’t think he played in any other of the pre season games. I think he has issues with his knee. 3G pitch fingers crossed no silly injuries

[quote="endoman":35aeddi9]Thought I'd read that those not in the squad were people who didn't respond well to the 3G surface that's in Sheffield?[/quote:35aeddi9] Yeah, Peet confirmed Miski and Wardle don't deal well with the artificial pitches and won't be risked but they're fine.

Don't Wakey have an artificial pitch as well? Guessing they will miss that game too.

Wakefield's pitch is a hybrid, like many premiership grounds. Almost all grass, with some fibres woven into it. It caused abrasions last year as the grass hadn't started growing enough so the root zone was more prominent.

Do the hybrids not cut up as easy? 3G pitched would be great for rugby if it didn’t involve the physical side of things. Also imagine the knee injuries are quite high on them

[quote="WWste":5983453n]Do the hybrids not cut up as easy? 3G pitched would be great for rugby if it didn’t involve the physical side of things. Also imagine the knee injuries are quite high on them[/quote:5983453n] They are more durable for sure. I read that every Premiership club has one... I guess it's what Saints also have now.

Surprised to see Farrell at centre.

Hill gets the start!

Feels a bit of a wasted chance to get Farrimond and Douglas a game IMO. Funny timing though a few days out from the League season, so I get why Peet would want minutes in players legs.

I guess it was a case of - who should we give an opportunity/mins to, Walters or Douglas. I guess Douglas is further away from a starting spot than Walters - especially with a big injury to Havard.

[quote="NickyKiss":1zudbcdh]Feels a bit of a wasted chance to get Farrimond and Douglas a game IMO. Funny timing though a few days out from the League season, so I get why Peet would want minutes in players legs.[/quote:1zudbcdh] I’m always calling for squad players to play some weeks in “easier” games but Peet plays his full team 95% of the time. He knows best.