You might be right and we need to treat it as such but I think we're giving Paul Rowley too much credit!

I wouldn't play Locke in this game.
Smith is doing well and I think he deserves to keep his place.
If Locke is at half pace he is still skillful but Leigh will play on him and we may lose him for the rest of the 8s then.

After Leigh we have two weeks which allows Locke a bit more time and BS a little more time to plan the team.

If B Smith decides he's ready, he's ready.
If he needs another 2 weeks then I suppose B Smith will leave him out!

I can fully understand poptart's sentiments, but I agree if Smithy thinks he's ready then he should play, I also think and hope that Tom Johnstone plays on Saturday, however if Smithy says no then I suppose that's the other side of the coin, fine margins eh.

True but Lee Smith is the best 3/4 we have IMHO and will be more useful at centre so if an Ex NZ Fullback is available I'd play him. It's not like anyone is being dropped.

The referee is James child......

I don't have Brian Smith's point of view so I just gave mine.

If Locke is fit enough to play then I'd play him and move Lee Smith into the centre position resting Arundel. That would make us a stronger attacking threat in the backs in addition to a pack that is packing a punch at the moment.

Washbrook as utility on bench in case it doesn't work so centre covered with Smith back to full back. When Washbrook is gone there won't be a squad player that has the same utility value as we let Ryan go...

Kirmond

I guess this is all speculation because I have not read anything to say Locke is fit and the last with regards Kirmond was he is unlikely to play this season.

Didn't Kirmond play centre for a match a season or two ago and was not up to it?
Ryan did a very good job there regularly.

Shudds away I believe.

Ashurst as well if it comes to it.

Locke has played on the wing a fair amount I believe.

Wouldnt move smith from fb where he's doing a good job and its a risk moving him to centre against a team who can expose opportunities out wide. Arundel looks fitter than when he came too and makes plenty of forward ground.

Smith
Lynne
Arundel
Topou
Locke/Johnstone

Would be my shout

I think you'd have to go back To early 2010 for the last game we won with Child as ref.