He's definitely played FB at Academy or reserves level (possibly both) and he certainly has the pace to flourish there. He's been seen more as a centre/wing of late though with Regan Sumner and Noah Hodkinson playing more regular fullback.

Farrimond earned his shot against Leigh last time out so I think he plays. He was pulled out of the Academy international so I’d expect him to be involved with French shifting to 1.

I think Eckersley is a great prospect however I don’t think he has the creativity/passing game required to take that extra pivot role, although I think he could definitely do a job there should it be required.

I'd go French at 1, Farrimond at 6 and put Eckersley on the bench to cover the backline and to also allow Keighran to go in to 9 if needs be. I believe he's played at 9 in his career previously and other options are very thin on the ground. It's such a shame Forber is also inured with Leeming now confirmed as being out for 6 weeks.

Upmost respect for Leigh.

Moylan/Lam great partnership.

Asiata a brilliant loose

Amone, Ipape Mulhern is one of the best front rows in SL.

They’ll be highly motivated to get there first win over us as the leopards and I wouldn’t be surprised if they get one this week or the Tuesday game.

As for us I’d go

French
Miski
Keighran
Wardle
Marshall
Farrimond
Smith
Thompson
O’Neill
Byrne
Nsemba
Farrell
Ellis

Havard
Mago
Dupree
Walters

Byrnes had a lot of stick this year alot of which has been fair. I rewatched the WCC last week and he was brilliant so hopefully he can play his way into form.

Cooper I feel they are limiting his minutes and saving him for big games .

We really need O’Neill to stay fit whilst Leeming/Forber is out. I’m sure Farrell could jump in there as an emergency though.

Can’t wait for this one!

Pretty sure Rocky played lots at 9 when at Cas so he may be a bench option, and provides backline cover to o

Keighran at 6......

Both I think Phuzzy, he would be my choice at FB. I would want my best players handling the ball more than anyone else, French and Smith fall firmly into that category so they partner each other at halfback.

On Eckersley, very limited time at FB in the Reserves, not sure about Academy. He may have had some time at FB at Widnes IIRC.

I can't (and wouldn't want to) see Farrimond at Hooker yet, real shame for Forber - what injury does he have?

I would be surprised if we lose against them at The Brick, our home form is fantastic. Having said that, they do have a good team on paper.

Whatever we do I hope we have French 6 Smith 7. Just expecting to French to pick up where he left off at 6 will be tough and I dont think hes as explosive at 1 as he once was

Thought this could be an option. Played there a lot last year.

That means it would be a new combination. The best pairing is Smith and French and I think we should stick with it.

French fb Farrimond 6 and Cooper starting prop, Walters on bench

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