I think that would be our best option and it would also ease him back in physically. I don't think Forsyth is doing too bad a job but it would be nice to get some experience in the position.

You'd imagine if he's back on the field now he should be there or thereabouts for the Wire cup tie.

For me Bateman is too good a defender to be out in the centres. He often pops up making try saving tackles in the middle of the pitch.

OK, but you have to think that all four of our top backrowers (Lockers, Faz, Joel and Bateman) have to be included somewhere at the moment, with us being so short of experience throughout the side. None are really big enough to cover for Flower or Clubb at prop, so centre is the only position to put one of them, and Bateman is the best centre of the four.

Lockers spelled at prop

Lockers would be wasted at prop. Keep him at LF where he belongs.

Bateman at centre until Gildart or Gelling come back and then in to the back row with Joel Tomkins spelling in the front row for me. Willie Isa would then be available to rotate with Lockers at loose forward.

Oli said on Sunday that he expects to be back playing in about 6 weeks.

Made up, as I was concerned that that tackle could have ended at least his year and possibly more than that.

Guess he won't really know until he starts full impact training though.

Who knows whether there was any long-term damage. Hop not though.

Good interview with Gildart on the site. Running again and seems to be healing correctly. 6-8weeks

That is good news as like you I feared for the lad.
Fingers crossed for a speedy and healthy recovery.

Gildart was in the South Stand bar before yesterday's game, mentioned he was back in training. He said 3-4 weeks before he's back.

Are Gelling and Flower done for the season or do we expect them back? All I have seen is long term'

Flower out for season, Gelling will be back .

Cas fan here and even I'm starting to feel genuinely sorry for you. We went through the same last year and it just gets beyond a joke.
I think you'll have some of your best players back for the super 8's but think it may be a bit too late to make the top 4.
Take the positives and you have some fantastic young players who have stepped in.

Thank you for your comments, I have to admit it is getting a tad frustrating. I remember Hull going through a similar thing a few years back too.

From what I've seen only Flower & Escare are confirmed out for the season. However doubt we will see Manfredi either. That leaves quite a few to come back:

Joel & Burgess - Expected this weekend.
Gildart - 3/4 weeks.
Gelling - Unknown.
Bateman - This month.
Sam - Was due this month but rumoured longer (again).
Clubb - Surely another couple of months, hopefully sooner.