The problem is, I'm not sure whether that weapon is back yet. TJ, Tupou and Ashurst is a great partnership we have seen for quite a long time. Will take some rebuilding I think. Hope fans expectations are under control.

I'd like to see Atkins play somewhere.

I think Chester will go with kershaw on the wing. He’s not played Hampshire on wing in any friendly. We also not played lyne with tupou as a combo.

Suspect Chester known jjb was unwell for sometime so could have tried different wing centre combos if need be.

I can’t understand the Atkins signing when we already had trundle contracted as back up.

Hampshire will play full back unless miller not fit where he will revert to 6 with jowitt at 1.

Plenty of options in the backs which is a positive.

Interesting to see the back row choice (ashurst westerman i suspect are first choice with Pitts /batch n kirmo fighting it out for right edge).

Prop situation is desperate

I don't know, Kershaw hasn't really covered himself in glory. Atkins has been good though, I'd play him and push Lyne onto the wing. Rocky at FB, Ashurst and Tanginoa in 2nd row, Kopczak and Tangata up top and Bench of Wood, Westerman, Pitts and Navarette

Where are you leaving from/returning to?

I would not mess about with Topou keep him and Johnstone as the World class combo. Kershaw not done anything wrong he would go on the other wing for me. Hampshire at hooker little darting runs. Thats his position for me, Jowett even looked better at half back against Hudds than Hampshire does in the halves.

Yes you’re right Chester said he’d be fit for first game on trin tv

Are you ditching Atkins or Lyne to accommodate Kershaw and which of the Wood's are you dropping to fit Hampshire in at Hooker.

I think we will go with Miller and Brough in the halves and Hampshire at FB and play with either Lyne or Atkins on the opposite wing to Johnstone.
Atkins may not be the quickest but, he's strong as hell, excellent under the high ball (in both defence and attack) and has to play and Lyne has been one of our most consistent players over the past 3/4 seasons.
I like Kershaw and he will be a decent player but, he's not yet a better option than Johnstone, Toupu, Lyne or Atkins. he looked to be trying too hard last Wednesday, which is understandable as he is desperate to play.

Kershaw is no were near a first team regular yet.Like a lot of the younger players we have he is work in progress .Think it was proven last season when we had 10 first team players out and we had no choice but to play them

Seriously!!! Did you see his debut v Leeds?

That's one of the most unfair comments I think I've seen in a while. He stepped up from playing DR for Oldham to virtually win us a game single-handedly and then deputise until more senior players became available, what more do you want?

Is he ready for regular first team? I'm not sure but probably not, but he most certainly has covered himself with glory relative to his experience.

Rare I agree with vastman but Kershaw has proved his self to have great potential already

Scored a try with his first ever touch of the ball at SL level last year too

And was a great effort

If it is that Kershaw is our 1st choice to replace bjb then I’m happy with that

I’m confident from what I have seen oh him he’ll do us proud and it will be great to see another young lad come through

I'm not bagging the lad, he's filled in and done a decent job and I think he can be a good SL winger. He's just not a safe pair of hands to be starting at the minute for me and he's done nothing to change my mind in the preseason.

Can't seem to see where he's posted on the subject. You seem however to be agreeing with me quite a lot these days, something that does nothing for mine or anyone elses credibility.

All depends for me on Miller's fitness

Jowitt
Johnstone
Tupou
Lyne
Atkins
Hampshire
Brough
Kopzcak
J Wood
Gwaze
Ashurst
Tanginoa
Westerman

K Wood (off the bench against a tiring defence)
Navarette
Pitts (could do a job at prop if needed)
Tangata/Batchelor/Kirmond/Arona (whichever one is fittest)

To be honest Milky has had no game time so I think I'd leave him out even if he is fit but you could slot him in at 6 and either move Hampshire to FB or leave him out

It’s the first time I’ve agreed with you this year vastman in fairness

When you make a sensible post which isn’t vindictive or childish and I agree with it.....
I am more than happy to positively endorse said comments

Chessie said milky would be fit on trin tv