Gelling averages around 11 more metres per game than Thornley. It's not a massive difference; it's the equivalent of about 2 carries (and Gelling averages 2 more carries per game than Thornley).

Gelling scores more than Thornley (0.8 tries per game compared to 0.6) but that is surely offset by the fact that Thornley is 5 times as likely to make a try assist. Thornley averages a try assist every other game whereas Gelling averages a try assists every 9 games.

Gelling is twice as likely to make an offload and more likely to break a tackle but Thornley averages over twice as many clean breaks. Gelling is nearly 3 times more likely to make an error, 3 times more likely to concede a penalty while they both average around 1 missed tackle per game.

There's not a vast difference between them except for when it comes to try assists, errors, penalties and clean breaks.

Gelling's couple of dropped passes and picked up by Lineham or Shaul and they'll go 80 mtrs to score. With Tickle as their kicker that's 12 points we can't afford to risk!

I think Hampshire is perfect to take the traditional hooker bench spot for Wembley.

Mic needs more minutes, when he comes off Smith to 9, Hampshire in the halves or 1 with Sam moving forward.

It's a big pitch with wide open spaces and his pace off the bench could cause Hull all sorts of problems.

1. Sam
2. Pat
3. Gelling
4. Golding
5. Josh
6. Green
7. Smith
8. Mossop
9. MM
10. Taylor
11. H
12. Faz
13. Locky

14. Crosby
15. Tuson
16. Flower
17. Hampshire

Equally Thornley could be put in a scoring position twice and get tackled like usual whereas Gelling could score. That's 12 points we can't afford to risk!

Last night was a straight shoot out IMO for that centre spot at Wembley and both were dreadful. I'd probably mark Gelling 5/10 and Thornley 4/10 so on that basis Gelling just shades it.

Fair enough, I'd have thought our props ought to be fit enough to manage 2x20 minute spells. An extra prop would just dilute the quality IMO. Having Hampshire on the bench could not only offer a change of direction if things aren't going well, but it could also push Green and Smith to up their games so they don't get benched. Plus he's an unknown quantity who could be a gamebreaker if given a decent platform

I would have Hampshire on the bench and brought on when MM is replaced ,with Smith going to hooker and then when MM comes back Wane has to asses the situation.

If Hampshire is going well and causing Hull problems he must not be afraid to replace Smith, Green or even one of the centres to maintain the initiative.( I am pretty certain that Green has played centre on the odd occasion).
I know that this may mean one less forward sub but be brave.

He who dares wins.

I agree, 2 props and a backrower on the bench is plenty for forwards. I just get that feeling that Hampshire is going to have a breakthrough game soon where he really tears a team apart and makes a name for himself. Sadly I think he'll be in the stands with Jack Hughes in his place

Also to be fair Gelling was playing right centre which iirc he's only played once (maybe twice) in his career.

i think you have to put hampshire on the bench,sam looks way off the pace.think that knee injury is far worst than they are letting on.anyone know the injury update after sat match,do we have a clean bill of health?

If anything these last 3 games have shown nothing but neagtives for Waney and offered only negative help in his team selection for wembley. IMO the only 2 people who have etched their names on my teamsheet would be Liam Farrell and Scott Taylor. Granted Taylor made a couple of errors himself on Saturday but over the last 3 games hes been solid and had had more go forward than all the forwards put together so he gets my vote. Like i said there have been more negatives than positives unfortunatley these last 3 games and i feel that some fringe players have done themselves no favours and rather showed that they wont be able to handle the pressure of the big game.


1. Sam
2. Pat
3. Gelling
4. Goulding
5. Josh
6. Green
7. Smith
8. Mossop
9. MM
10. Taylor
11. H
12. Faz
13. Lockers

14. Crosby
15. Logan T
16. Flower
17. Burke


Ive included Crosby and Burke because quite simply the fringe players have been dreadful over the last few weeks and made countless errors, turning over possession etc.. and these 2 have been consistent in defence and attack when called upon in the big games this season, Crosbys M.O.M performance against St Helens and Burke's debut against Wire so they would get my vote.

Has Hampshire ever played 9 in his life? Bit of a risk playing him for the first time at 9 in the CC final.

its never going to happen but i would drop green and put hampshire in.green has been very poor since returning from injury.

Don't you think it's one hell of a risk putting in an inexperienced young lad who's NEVER EVER played first team in the halves in the CC final?