Be surprised if JK would risk starting Johnson, he has a very cautious policy in bringing back players who have been injured (especially given Johnson's injury problems). Could well see Henderson playing with Ferguson at 13.

Didn't go yesterday but I'd hazard a guess at this

Murphy
George
Millard
Gleeson
Morton

Jeffries
Brough

Korkidas
Newton
Tronc
Ferguson
Henderson
Morrison

Moore
Latu
Obst
Johnson

Heard from people JD was poor yesterday and the general consensus on here is PJ went well though JK may well forgive JDs performance due to his leadership qualities. Can't see King getting in just yet as his defence has been a bit suspect in the friendlies though his go forward has been pretty good. Bibb doesn't seem to offer us anything and its a little too early to throw in Trout even though he has impressed in pre season. The bench does look a little bit light weight but if Tronc can last 60 mins or so then we should be ok

Could we really see Brough, Jeffries, Newton, Obst and Latu all make a starting 17? I just can't see it.

We had it last year with Brough Obst Latu Grix and Drew, not saying it worked but it did happen.

Exactly! I'm sure JK is well aware that our best performances came with fewer 'pivotal' players on the pitch. I think DB and BJ will take time to gel. What we need to assist in this process is absolute clarity at dummy half, first and second receiver.

After yesterdays performance I wouldn't play JD. Think he needs a little more game time, he was obviously a bit ring rusty.

we could but i hope we dont! hope kear makes a decision between obst and latu and doesn't try fiiting players in. as much as latu can do a job short term in theback row i dont want it to be something we do unless we have no genuine back row options. i must admit i wouldn't fancy the decison but thats how he earns his corn.

as for the team lot pick themselves but i would be going with a big bench, many above look too lightweight for me. i would expect a lot to be up the middle with the conditions and the fact its the first game. i'd assume we will try play percentages, keep our sets tight and kick well for field position. as such we want some beef on there imo

How does he get game time if he doesn't play?

I would go with

Murphy - (didnt rate this kid on the wing... trial games at full back reports of playing well - would be Blaymire if fit)

George - god I hope he stays fit this year
Millard -
Johnson - Work with Henderson and Gleeson on the left
Gleeson -

Jeffries
Brough

Tronc -
Newton -
Korkidas -
Henderson -
Ferguson -
Morrison -

Moore -
Demetriou -
King -
Latu -

18th - Obst - tough on Sam but I think Latu is the better player.

actually i would always have sam o in the 17 as
1. his performances towards the end of last year were sheer class
2. he can cover 6,7 and 9 with ease as a replacement
3. i just like the guy

totally agree

1 2 and 3 bang on the money.

I'm in complete agreement too. Faced with a straight choice between Sam or Latu I would also consider that coming of the bench you would imagine coaches are looking for someone who can take a clear message or tactical approach out on to the field with them. Over a number of seasons now Latu does not give me the comfort that he is a disciplined and organised individual who could do this however as stated elsewhere Sam has consistently shown himself to be a very dedicated team man.

Sam every time in the 17 if fit!

Interesting that no one is going for bibb, who really should be pushing for a place, agree that jd was poorish at hunslet but he did play most of the game, so would be surprised if fit, he doesnt play. For me u just have to play sam from the bench or the start.

Johnson has been training proving his fitness and played most of game at hunslet - was probably best of fully fledged players - not sure if he has the pace to play in centre - did wonder if jd might feature on wing dropping morton, allowing another forward on bench - probably henderson - whatever happens think the bench will be smal, Tronc to play whole game and one rotational prop - moore? henderson, obst, moore, latu on bench perhaps

J D definately out for sat.