He was really poor at loose forward and then as a second rower, he’s not going to get in. It feels like another player we might have given a contract to that’s a year too long but you can’t quantify just what he’s bringing across the board, as a leader and a good example to the young players.

It’s going to be some battle to get in to the 17 when Powell, Leuluai and Pearce-Paul are back. Picking a best 17 at the minute feels tough work and it’s extremely pleasing that’s the case.

For me only centre isn't a done deal as it stands. Smith should keep his place unless he loses it himself. You can't put consecutive MOM displays in 2 of the biggest games of the season so far and then lose your place. I don't care how well Tommy was playing before his injury either. He now needs to win his place back. That's how you drive excellence. Isa and Partington would need to do what Smith has done if they play on Thursday in order to even be in consideration. Our back row is the best in the comp for my money. Both Halsall and KPP should be in the mix at centre as neither of the incumbents have yet cemented their places.

Isa is injured. I did say that last week so people must be ignoring my posts

Huddersfield have the foundations of a title winning squad - some of their young forwards are outstanding. Nervous about them for the cup final which I think is a genuine 50/50.

Will be good to see a few new faces on Thursday - I'm hopeful we can win the game but wouldn't be the end of the world if we lose it. Smart changes by Peet.

Isn't it so nice to be able to say that?

McQueen picked up a knock in the semi, doubt for the cup final.

Sounds like Hudds are even resting a few who are name in their 21 (Yates/Cudjoe).

If we do the same their could be some debuts. If we go with NKs team we could win comfortable.

No Farrell according to somebody on the other board.

It should be a good game either way. We both look to be resting a similar amount of players.

Could be few of the young guns playing.
Farrell more than anyone "deserves" a rest and it wouldn't surprise me if he is rested.
Cust is another who has played I think every minute of every game this season. so I wouldn't be surprised to see Astley at 6

Wouldn't be surprised to see the team looking like this

French
Halsall Thornley Bibby Miski
Astley Smith
Partington O'Neil Ellis
Isa McDonnell
Shorrocks

Bibby Mago Havard Nicholson

I would like to be keeping cade cust in the team myself, we have him for potentially 2 more seasons, definately one so the cust/smith partnership could be what we are looking at for the next 2 years potentially. They seem to be building a good partnership together and i wouldn't want to distrupt that unless necessary. Making use of the time until leuluai is back fit. Other then that i would be happy with this team, nice mix of youth and experience.

Got to say the 2 bibby's in the team had me stumped for a second

Think this team won’t be far wrong, Cust appears to have been doing extra conditioning today along with players who aren’t playing (Smithies/Bateman) so doubtful he’ll play

Agreed. He's something of an "all in" type of player too, continually taking it into the defensive line, so I think a rest would probably do more good than harm.

How was that sent up as a try??