I just look at Cas a couple of years ago, Huddersfield before that, Hull FC before that. All teams with no positive play off experience, all came top, all found out that the play offs are a different beast. Salford are in a similar situation except they only finished 3rd. Add in our form and home advantage (how often have Salford won at the DW/JJB even in regular season?) and the fact they'll know on the back of everyone's heads that losing the game is acceptable because they've come so far, I just can't see anything but a comfortable win for us.

I think we should win but it is no given. Hastings (until he’s in a Wigan shirt), Evalds and Jones scare me.

I would like to think that we will win this game and test ourselves at Saints in the GF Qualifier but this is a very well drilled and talented Salford side who can turn anyone over on their day. Past results count for nothing. Quietly confident but nothing more.

Sounds about right to me.

Salford play some nice stuff and we’ll have to be switched on to get the win. We know full well play off games are different and teams rarely win them by playing an open brand of rugby. You just never know with a player like Hastings though because if they can get in a tight game then he could produce enough magic to win it for them.

I wouldn't let Navarette anywhere near this side at the moment, even with Partington being banned. He was unbelievably frustrating to watch, he came on, knocked on, then gave a penalty away.

He was appalling on Thursday but superb the week before. He needs to string performances together. I think he’ll get lucky with Partington’s ban and keep his place because without that ban I doubt he’d have played.

Barring injuries cannot see anything other than the above.
I think the game will be very close and this is our biggest test since we we played Saints away.
We need a strong start and finish something we've probably only done once this season.
Hopefully Salford will bring a good following and we have a genuine cup tie atmosphere.
Really looking forward to it.

Agreed.

Interestingly looking at their team I'd have taken Josh Jones for next season.

Surely Marshall will be in ahead of Burgess? He was killing it up until his hamstring niggle and Burgess looks a shadow of the player he can be. To say these past two weeks have been his big chance to try and nail down his spot, his lack of energy and confidence has been pretty sad to see.

Agreed. Having Marshall on one wing and French on the other I think Salford would struggle to contain. Unless we are saving him for the potential trip to Saints?

I think you'll probably win this, and hopefully it will be a good hard test for both teams. I don't think Watson will let the team think that this is just a victory lap for getting into the play-offs, as someone else suggested. You are definitely our bogey team, and while you've beaten us each time this season, it's never been by a great amount. Fourteen points being the highest margin iirc.

I think both teams are currently the form teams so it will be interesting to see how this one plays out. I think home advantage may tip it in your favour and the fact that you do have vastly more experience in play-off games than us.

We have nothing to lose, and nothing to prove this season, which makes us quite a dangerous opponent however.

Hopefully be a good game, with both teams at their best.

Can’t imagine French would be too happy to be back on the bench for this game. Hope he gets the nod to start and burgess sits one out as he’s looking a yard of pace short at the moment. A rest/kick up the backside by not playing might do him good?

Navarrete has been fairly poor all season long,just the odd flash of form here and there,I wouldn’t have near my side,I’d also say Marshall if he’s fit will play,Lam seems to rate him and being honest he’s been great this season.

Hankinson will be in for Sarge. I’m okay with that will not let us down.