Big question is whether Max is ready. I'd give him all the way up to squad submission and make a call then. We want him firing for Cas - if that means resting him or giving him a chance to get back up to speed, I don't know. 

If he's fully fit, I'd go: Rourke, Johnstone, Pratt, Scott, Walmsley, Jowitt, Lino, McMeeken, Hood, Uele, Vagana, Croft, Pitts; Smith, Atoni, Rodwell, Nikotemo.


If he's not, I'd go: Rourke, Johnstone, Pratt, Scott, Walmsley, Lino, Pitts, Rodwell, Hood, Uele, Vagana, Croft, McMeeken; Smith, Atoni, Faatili, Nikotemo.


Either way I'd start Croft and bring Nikotemo on at half time if fit.


But looking at those two teams, it makes a huge difference if Max is back. He's a quality 6 - can organise, kick, play off the cuff, and played plenty there.

As for Saints, they're slightly down on numbers. Still enough to be worried about, but I reckon our backline can really get over theirs. If Lomax is out as suggested by Wellens today, they'll line up:


Welsby
Sambou
Robertson
Whitley
Bennison
Sailor
Whitby
Lees
Mbye
Walmsley
Batchelor
Sironen
Knowles


Burns
Delaney
Paasi
Bell

Seth has his family coming over to watch so I guess he is on the team sheet.

Do not get this playing Hood or Pitts at 6 ,there both doing a good job  were they play We used to play Pitts ,in the centre when we had injuries ,never worked  not fast enough to get across to take out is or any back who ran at him Think it would be the same problem if Pitts or Hood played at six ,Think Lino as a hard enough job on is hands in the spine without some body there who as not got a good kicking game .We need some one there who as  a good kicking game or a bit of  pace .That is why we brought Trueman in, but that is not working at present .

Well I agree Legend.....but we don't have one.
Of course if there was a loan player available or a youngster coming through who could play that is the better option.....but who is that going to be?

The thing that gets to me PopTart  ,we have had this problem in the half since Miller left , Other S L clubs seem to be able to find a answer straight away. But what ever we try it seems to go down hill fast Would love to see Rourke there (he does look good enough for a first team spot ) but that could mean moving 3 players for one spot .Do not think that would work .As you say who say it is a hard one to call

Half back is tough to recruit for. 
Lawford injury messed things up as we had no young back up.


But you'd think 4 halfbacks in the squad plus Max would be enough.

I Agree 4 half backs ,out injured ,plus Maxi s mind blowing  It is the difference between us been a good team and a very good team 

It’s not just halfbacks but 10 injured players in a squad of around 30 or so is unbelievable. That said this year we have more quality in depth and thankfully so!

As for halves. Roarke couldn’t be further from a half imo. Hes a running threat at the back and I haven’t see edge plays, passes or positioning that indicates he could go well at 6 unlike Jowitt. 


That’s the only reason I would consider Jowitt or Walmsley at 6 before Roarke. Walmsley has a decent pair of hands abs did manage to put in some good assists and passes last season from his run at full back. 


I would like to see Roarke competing for some high balls on the edges on cross field kicks. Against two young wingers this week it would be a tactic I’d seriously consider. 


Be interesting to see what Powell goes with but I’ll back anyone who pulls on that halfback shirt. 


I just feel that with a very important run of games coming I would bring in an actual halfback for the next 1/2 months. 

Do you think we should ask H K R ,for Richards Think he went to Huddersfield on loan for a few games

I’m not sure it will be that simple. 

Many factors I’d imagine. Some teams won’t want to aid the competition or rivals with us being edge of playoffs. 


There may be others that need to retain the back up players and could be many more reasons even as simple as none available. 


I would like to see one brought in but I will 100% back any player who will be in the team even if they’re not a natural halfback. It’s just what I would like to see if possible. 

Just for this game and only because we’ve got no Half backs I’d put Jowitt at Stand Off. leave Rourke where he is and play Walmsley on the wing.