I think Bateman has to start if he's fit. If there's the slightest doubt around Tomkins, then I think it could be a massive risk playing him. Hope i'm proven wrong though...

The only doubts would be around match fitness you'd think. I cannot see them taking any sort of risk with the injury so fingers crossed they'll be able to get him through the game. We need Tomkins the most imo because Tierney is no fullback. If they don't think Tomkins is ready but Gelling is then they need to look at another option at the back.

Been informed (take it as you wish, I am) that Bateman will be playing Sat, but there is still some doubt about S Tomkins, so wouldn't be surprised if he missed out. As someone has already said if he's not 100% don't risk him.

If Tomkins is not ready Budgy to full back and Davies on the wing with Gelling.

If Sam does play, we'll need fullback cover on the bench as it's unlikely he'll be match fit enough to play the full 80. Whether that's Tierney, or juggling things around a lot with a second row to centre, a centre to wing, and a winger to fullback...

Maybe play him off the bench. If Tierney is having a mare he can come on at FB, otherwise we have the option to bring him in the halves with Leuluai moving to to give McIlorum a breather as we used to do in 2010/11 with Deacon on the bench

If Tomkins is not fit dont play him and leave Tierney out needs a rest must be carrying a knock, we have two centres back now and three wings one of the wingers to full back.

Is Powell out?

No, he's back, it was "only" concussion.

No problem with this if Tomkins is not fit but I'd leave Tierney out because carrying a knock or not, he's been bloody awful and not good enough.

So Hill is banned. We should take any bit of luck we can at the moment but we should also remember that both Hull and Leigh had lots of players out and we still got whacked.

It'll likely be a very nervy game but if we turn up 100% committed then I would back us to win.

Wire have a soft streak down the middle also, which has just lost its main source of yards. Huge game for both as the loser will have little positive to play for