He's not been the same player since he got injured in the '10 final. He still has positives, his strength, finishing, aerial ability, defence and kicking (drop outs, goals and drop goals) are all up there with the best in SL so he's worth his spot, particularly in a final where we'll be glad of his experience. After this season is definitely the right time for him to leave though. I'm looking forward to seeing Burgess and Manfredi get their chances to shine (unless we sign someone top class like Briscoe)

The pitch at the new Wembley is apparently the same dimensions as the Halliwell Jones (according to Eddie prior to the 4N match against the Aussies anyway)

The pitch size, as lined for association football, is 115 yd (105 m) long by 75 yd (69 m) wide, slightly narrower than the old Wembley, as required by the UEFA stadium categories for a category four stadium, the top category.

The Halliwell Jones is apparently 120 x 74 yards

Should the 19 man squad be announced today?

yes


but changes to the squad will probably happen before Saturday 3pm

Tomkins
Charnley
Goulding
Thornley
Richards
Green
Smith
Mossop
MM
Flower
Hansen
Farrell
O,loughlin

Crosby
Taylor
L Tomkins
Luaki