So Smith has pretty much looked at everyone and I've seen each game since he arrived.
This is my team for the 8

Locke
Johnstone
Arundal
Lyne
Tansey
Godinet/Smith
Miller
Scruton
Sio
Kavenagh
Molloy
Washbrook
Smith D

McShane
Simon
Anderson
Ali

Assuming Kirmond is out and Godinet won't be there for start.
Jowett, Ryan, Ashurst would all be ok to replace their counterpart, possibly Crowther, Riley, Howarth and Walker but not Hall or Annakin or Kirke

Still shows us weak on centres but I like the overall look of the team

No Ashhurst PT? I think he is our best attacking option in the forwards. Has to play imo

Pity we've lost Owen for that wing spot. I think it's a tough choice between Molloy and Ashurst. Probably just favouring Ashurst. Other than that I can go with your 17 easy.

I'd add Ashurst to the 17. I'd probably go for Riley over Tansey. I appreciate he hasn't had as good a season as last year but I think he is more solid and contributes more than Tansey.

Okay Tansey scored a great improvised try at the KC, but then again his defence was weak. Yesterday he conceded a very soft try for their 2nd try. Admittedly he didn't get too much of the ball yesterday but as stated on another thread he didn't come inside to help the forwards out like Riley did. IMVHO.

Locke

Riley
Arundal
Tansey
Johnstone

Smith
Miller

Scruton
Godinet
Anderson
Ashurst
Washbrook
Molloy

Sio
Kavanagh
D Smith
Ali

I'm with you, I think Ashurst just offers a bit more than Molloy. Other than that I agree.

Looks like Wakey, Salford and Widnes are nailed on for that now, with probably Hull KR (although if they beat Hull FC this weekend it'll make the last weekend interesting on Humberside).
Championship sides look like being Leigh and Bradford (already qualified) with Halifax and the winner of Sheffield v Fev this next weekend.

I'm pretty happy that that team would more than hold it's own in the middle 8's against the opposition likely to be in there.

I think that's very harsh on Simon who has consistently given us some much needed go forward. He has been one of our best props this season IMO.

1. Locke
2. Johnstone
3. Arundle
4. Sio
5. Lynne
6. Godinet
7. Miller
8. Anderson
9. McShane
10. Scruton
11. Ashurst
12. Washbrook
13. Malloy

14. Ryan
15. Lauitiiti
16. Simon
17. D Smith

I like the look of that team - why not give Sio a run at centre - certainly can't be any worse attacking wise and he has good defence.

Tbh I had forgotten about Simon, in which case swap him for Dan Smith.

I'd leave Smith in and swap Simon for Kavanagh, it's good to see somebody else what would play Tansey at centre.

I'd swap Tansey and Lyne around. Tansey at centre and Lyne on the wing.

I forgot Ashurst. He's in above Molloy

If what I hear is true, Smith will be a Hudds player come the end of this week, possibly by the end of today!

Not certain it`s true though.

I'd be ok with that if it was a swap for Brough