Only 4 Props in the squad so he has to play. You might have seen the same video as me on Twitter, where it asks Fifita and Wood who was the most unfit when the arrived in Preseason and they both said Pauli because of his recovery from the broken leg but he's had a couple of months since then now and warm up games under him so he plays. Tbh I don't think we'll see the best out of him till a few games in as he adjusts and gets more fitness into him. But still he played enough minutes in Preseason games and CC must feel confident in picking him.

Don't think we know about reserve fixtures yet, I haven't anyway.

Anyway as I said no another thread I'd pick Hampshire on the bench and for me MCB and Annakin to miss out.

How have I written him off? I've said he will no doubt improve and be Super League standard. From what I've seen he's not ready yet. And looking at the 19 man squad, Chris Chester seemingly agrees.

I understand your point about the skill levels but Annakin is one of those who makes up for it in his aggression and directness tbh. He has 2 outstanding attributes there which place him a fair way in front of the young ones atm.

I think saying I continually write Crowther off is unfair. I made one comment from a friendly you didn't attend and it seems it's stuck in the craw of some. I get we have a Crowther fan club on here as he has some form of relative or someone who knows him personally that posts, but I'll only ever post my honest opinion. What is that opinion you may ask? Simple: He's a player with big potential but at the moment he is not ready for Super League rugby physically and technically. His effort is fantastic and that is why I am confident in two or three years' time he may be as good as some deem him to be already but atm even the squad player Annakin is in front of him in playing terms. If Jordan adds a bit of dynamic to his game with the ball or aggressiveness then he will soon be in front of Annakin because his work rate and defensive work is almost there already but he's not quite there yet. From what I've seen. But he's 20 years old. 2 years development and I agree he could be a first team player - to develop he needs game time though and he isn't going to get that looking at our squad currently.

I'm not putting him down that's not my style but let's be honest, he's been here years and not nailed down a first team place in that time. Not saying he's not a decent squad player who won't let you down and has had the odd good game but his game imo hasn't changed much in all those years. Runs hard, often into a brick wall and can defend quite well.

Every team needs a squad player and annakin is one. I agree with what you say and that’s fine with me. He’ll come in, do his job and not let anyone down with all the enthusiasm you could ask for. He won’t start every week but if Chester gives him the nod I know he’ll do his job and will be happy to see him on the team sheet.

I agree with what you're saying & as I said he's a decent squad player who does his job when called on over the years. Like you say, every team needs players like him, especially players that are not necessarily in your best 17 but if any injuries occur there's not that much of a drop in standard and imo he fills that role well.

The point about him not nailing down a starting spot in the years he's been here is more to do with the fact we've got a couple of 19/20-year-old England Youth internationals coming through who look excellent prospects, that also play in the same back row as him and he's now 27.

I think it's you who needs help.

Why the need for the childish rubbish is beyond me.

Where did I say I didn't rate him? I don't rate him as highly as some but that's not the same thing is it!

Kear and CC were going to let him at the end of the season then they had a last minute change of heart. If you don't believe me it's all there on Trinity TV from MC himself on the presentation night video!!!

If you bothered to read past threads me and Belly have been battling for years over how good Anakin is or do you not agree with his post was a bit OTT ? He certainly meant it to be, get a sence of humour.

At the end of the day we can argue his merits all day long but the facts are he's never managed to tie down a first team place under five coaches - what does that tell you? Hardly the saviour of the club is he!

About a ten minute walk away, called The Falcon.

Chris Annakin does exactly the job you need him to do. He appears to be someone who is happy to play 10-15 games a year when called on and doesn't get itchy feet looking for a move away. He's a squad player and happy with that. He is one of our own, and I would much prefer to have Annakin than another clubs reject. If he plays 10 games again this year and isn't long term injured, I would sign him up again.

He’s signed up until 2019.

You always try shooting down/ write an essay when ever some ones says they like Chris

It comes across really obsessive and really odd

The facts:
He was interchange loose forward last year so he has held down a permenant position

That rotational play was a game changer for us each time

I wish I could post one of those meme's of Michael Jackson eating popcorn right now, Musson is going in on Vastman.

Michael Jackson, now he was a good forward. I know GB used him off the bench, but I'd have in my starting XIII.