Just my opinion of course but I'm not a big fan of that sort of rotation. It's good to have as an option in case of in game injuries etc. but I don't think it's ideal as a first port of call. Having only one genuine prop and then rotating back rowers to make up the shortfall doesn't strike me as a title winning option. As I say, just my opinion though.

Injuries will undoubtedly play a part which is why I think your returnees only coming back at the business end could count in your favour. They can't get injured from the stands. That said, it equally could count against you in that there's an extra burden on the senior players still there and, of course, players coming back could be offset by different ones getting injured. I genuinely think this is where our advantage lies this season. We've been able to rest and rotate our pack without too much drop off. I know that's no guarantee in itself, but it's a good place to be.

There's no doubt that Wigan are now very strong in the forwards, an area where they had been powder puff for some time. The fact that Walters (someone who I would've loved us to sign) couldn't make the 17 for the Final is indicative of this. They have size, athelticism and some aggression now in defence. Havard, O Neill and Nsemba all still very young too.

Interesting question Stu, following the England Academy squad announcement. Both Wigan and Saints have 5 each. Much is being made of the 'golden generation' at Saints. Is Wigan's actually as strong? I understand Stephens, Vaughn and Sambou aren't included but Eckersley, Douglas and Nsemba more than counter that. What's your take?

I expected Wigan to have a decent number of selections as their Academy has always been strong. I don't know much about them apart from obviously Farrimond and Keith Mason's lad. I do believe though that Nathan Lowe is very highly rated within the club- a classy centre who needs to work on his defence but is a good player.

I expected Dagnall, Whitby and Robertson from Saints but I don't know as much about the other two. It seems like Davies has had a good season and from the tries I see each week, he looks a decent back rower.

Nathan needs a few games in the pack to develop his tackling technique. Having said that you can coach defensive skills not so much attacking flair.

Very true. The description I was given was he is similar to Newlove in style and class. That's obviously a huge shout.

Bennison is their worst player since Jack Owens. Owens was probably better. They are very weak on both edges, something we should be exploiting as much as possible in a few weeks.

Whoooooops

Tbf, Salford are a very good side atm

First side in any sort of form that Saints have played for a while, so it was a game I was interested to watch. Salford are a really good side.

Painfully slow back line, would never wish an injury on any player but god help them if Welsby is ever out for period of time

Salford just done the double on them well deserved.
Thought saints had snatched it but Salford did well.

Please dont say Wigan are slow at moving of a tackle St Helens so slow moving that it reminded me of that speedster Wellens in his pomp.

He absolutely carries them. Great player

Welsby has taken a bit of stick from a small section of Saints fans today and in recent months. A few comments knocking round along the lines of ‘another half ar*ed effort’. A sign of frustration because as pointed out, they’d be snookered without him.

I fully agree. I am surprised that Matautia did not get pinged a few times, a lot of his tackles were late today.

It was more of a grab then he threw Sneyd on the ground as a point of intimidation,that worked for them