I never said he’s ready. He’s not ready for it. With a short turnaround though that extra forward on the bench may allow more rotation to avoid forwards been flogged too much. 

If he's not ready we shouldn't be breaking him.

Mention of props makes me think of Sam Eseh's recent performances for Hull.Always had my doubts whether he,d make it, but not any more.I would keep an eye out for how he fits in when he eventually returns to Pies.

I don’t think 20 minutes or so would break him at all. That’s a big statement to make. There’s a difference in not being ready for long or repeat exposure at SL level than doing a relatively short stint on a rare ocassion. Many young players have done it in the past and continue to make the odd appearance at SL level. I have a bit more confidence in him than that and it could be a good learning opportunity. 

He may not be needed though if rotations can be worked well enough.  

Not sure I agree with you on that poptart.
Lingard is a first team squad player who could benefit from the 10 to 15 minute stints from the bench. I understand about the enormity of the opposition in the coming week, but whats been said about McMeekan Pitts and others overworking and blowing up. The experience of been in the first team 17 and helping out could have an enormous benefit to his development.
The start of this season Cauis was  only doing short stints and Vagana is relatively new to regular Rugby.
Personally I would rather see our squad get us out of the injury crisis than getting an outsider in.

Luckily we do have a number of players who could come in and do a good job so we don’t feel the short turn round and can rotate a little. 

Rourke, Walmsley, Scott, Doyle, Nikotemo could all potentially come in this week and be relatively fresh. You could even add Myers and Lingard to that. 


There’s not much change in the front row unfortunately. I probably would consider bringing in a short term prop to play from the bench for next month or so but availability is another thing.


Will be interesting to see what Powell does in his selections. 


With Truman just returning I’m not sure its wise to play him on a short turnaround. Will have to see. If he’s fit all back end this season it would be a huge boost to our playoff chances imo. 

Yes I don't disagree with what you are saying.I wouldn't pick Wigan to be the game to throw him in but equally I do agree with the squad thing.

In the past it was a regular feature young lads making their debut against Wigan. Granted usually away from home, but Wigan is Wigan.

Young kids mostly relish the chance to play against big clubs, I know Jordan did, who’s debut funnily enough was against Wigan, only if we are struggling in the forwards would I play Lingard, I’m sure he wouldn’t let us down if he played