13 changes to the KR squad, the lowest squad number in there is #17

Just the 1 change for Wigan, Shorrocks in for Douglas.

Reserves also have a game on Friday (also v HKR) so everyone should get some game time.

We won't get top 2 IMO. Saints have a far easier fixture list and we have Catalans, Leeds and Leigh away. Not impossible but I'd be surprised.

I have a horrible feeling we'll end up in a 3rd v 6th fixture with Leeds who have beaten us in knockout fixtures three years running.

Definitely play a full team this week anyhow and approach it as a test of attitude and some more practice for the halfback partnership.

I'd go full strength and look to put a big score on them. The team get a rest next weekend so that should sort out any bumps and bruises.

We should’ve played another 2 young prospects at least, it’s basically a reserve fixture anyway.

Shorrocks coming straight back in after losing us 2 of the last 3 games he played in is madness to me. It’s not like he’s our best player.

I wouldn’t rule us out yet. I agree that currently Saints fixtures look better but that could change depending on form and who needs what going in to the last few weeks of the season. Look at Wire, they’ve been easy beats recently but if Holbrook comes in, you’d imagine they’ll be revitalised. Wakey looked an easy game at one point but a difficult one now. Leeds away is never easy but you feel the wheels could come off of they get ruled out of the play off picture. Leigh could drop off a cliff after the cup final and so on.

Give Farrell a fortnight off, some back row combination of K P-P, Shorrocks, Nsemba, Smithies should be good enough

I’d rest him too, wonder who’d be captain?

Smithies? Smith? Marshall?

We need leaders to start emerging that’s for sure. I am happy with many aspects of the team and feel we have some qualities in the team that Catalans, Saints etc do not but they kill us in terms of experience, leadership and know how. It’s my main worry going in to the back end of the season. Guys like Tomkins, McIlorum, Pearce, Lomax, Roby etc have been there and done it many times over. Liam Farrell has a huge burden on him in that regard (and I think it showing).

Yeah it’s a worry. I’d guess the “leadership group” at the start of the year included Cooper, Isa and Powell. Who are all missing

We need someone to step up.

Does Leeming come in to it. Maybe Marshy

It’s one of the reasons why I’d get Powell back in the 17 asap, even if it’s just to play 15-20 mins off the bench. I also think Smith and Smithies need to step up, not just in the short term but going forward. He’s very young but I like Brad O’Neill’s demeanour on the field but it’ll be a while yet before you’d want to burden him with more responsibility.

I think Smith is really starting to show signs he is growing into a leadership role.

He’s bidding the team around the park single handedly but he is also giving out some sprays to his team mates. He’s also added a bit of niggle in defence slowing down and becoming a real pest on the deck.

I'm sure I saw O'Neill speaking to the ref in a game earlier this season while Farrell was off.

I'd guess that KR's Reserves will be much depleted as well if they are all playing for the first team....probably the Academy team?