to ease him into the game i would give fitz a break around 20-25 minute mark, shift Washbrook to LF so we have an extra pivot on the field so he is not expected to run the show but assist our other 'playmakers'.

Then dependant on how well nicklas is going ie if he is struggling put Washbrook back in the halves and put fitz back to LF or if he is going well simply switch Washbrook for Fitz around 60-65 minute mark.

this would hopefully give nicklas much needed experience and allow us to rotate fitz and not burn him out

I am not pinning all our hopes on O'Meley playing to win on Thursday!

I would love O Meley to play but don't want him to risk the injury. We have won several games without him and as such don't entirely rely on him as some seem to think.

I think it is more a case that our chances would be significantly improved by him playing. I think we can win without him for definite but i am certainly more confident of a win with IMO our best front rower playing.