Nobody has mentioned it,but doesn't Bateman have as much to fear as Powell from any review? He was involved in the tackle too.

Quote moto748="moto748"Nobody has mentioned it,but doesn't Bateman have as much to fear as Powell from any review? He was involved in the tackle too.'" No charge for either of them. www.rugby-league.com/leagues__co ... sciplinary

Quote moto748="moto748"Nobody has mentioned it,but doesn't Bateman have as much to fear as Powell from any review? He was involved in the tackle too.'" No charge for either of them. www.rugby-league.com/leagues__co ... sciplinary

Split halves aren't essential, or, at least, don't have to be that rigid. I am watching Wests Tigers, and they have Luke Brooks and Benji Marshall with the freedom of the park. Brooks is clearly the 'senior' half, but both have a good running and kicking game. Between them, they have either assisted and scored themselves just about all West's tries.

After watching the womens’ game, I’d be tempted to play Sarah Harrison at #7 and Becky Greenfield at #1 ...

Don't change a winning team.

They were both great, weren't they?

The last tackle plays are the main area of concern as you say Itchy. Hull KR, for example, was near perfect and we scored a hatfull of tries. Leeds was almost universally bad and we struggled to score (as did they). Hopefully, as I say, that's down to the Easter period. We'll see on Friday.

Agree regarding the passing too. Powell in particular has been poor over a few games. Not something you want from your 7! Conversely Escare was excellent across the board in the reserve game so, for me, Powell needs to up his game otherwise I can see no justification for not giving Escare and extended run in the halves.

Definitely re: Isa too. Been a revelation so far this season. I put it down to him having a full(ish) team around him as opposed to the injury hit ones of last year. He's not the player to do it on his own in the way Lockers, for example, can. But in a team where he's asked to be the 'grunt' he's more than up to the task. Not unlike the Mick Cassidys etc in the past. All successful teams need players like that. Long may it continue!

That was my thinking, I thought he'd get a match for that tackle.
I reckon Escare will miss out from the 17 now, can't see SW not wanting four forwards on the bench against a team as big as Cas.

I always think Isa is a much better player when he has a decent run in the team,he gets into a groove and does his thing,I like the lad always have done not flashy at all but doesn’t need to be he just fills a Willie Isa type hole in the team and they look the better for it.

Tomkins
Davies
Bateman
Gildart
Burgess
Williams
Escare
Flower
Leaulai
Clubb
Isa
Farrell
SOL

Powell
Sutton
Tomkins
Naverette

Got to be sound defensively against Cas left edge, having Bateman there sures it up imo.

Hiya guys



Should be near perfect conditions tonight so hopefully we will have a great game to watch.

Interesting to see that a lot of you have Bateman in at centre in your own teams.... Is this something Wigan have done already? Would assume he's strong there in defence which, I guess is why you'd maybe have him there against us. Just wondered if he's working on his game as a centre or it'd just be a one off for this game?

I was as surprised as anyone to see him at centre in the world cup. The as much as he's a very good strong second row he didn't really have the passing game to play at centre....

Powell just getting a wrist slap must have given wane a selection headache as I felt you were the better team against Leeds but his decision making cost you a few points

I'm presuming then the weather up north is as nice as it is in the South East? Should be good but I feel the conditions suit Cas more than us.

Bateman has played several times this season at centre. Basically the whole time Sarginson was out and I think Wane has identified your edges as being a real danger and wants to bolster it as much as possible. He still doesn't have the passing game of a centre but I think from what I've heard on the radio and seen he's sort of improved in that regard.