Lets see what Sunday brings.

Although not ideal, this is a great test to see if the young players are ready.

By looking at pre-saeson I think Nicklas could be in front of Ellis to replace Seymour.

I share others worry about Turner in defence, could play Whiting there, but then you weaken the backrow.

If all three are out I would go with.

Mckinnon
Sharp
Turner
Yeaman
Briscoe
Horne
Nicklas
Moa
Houghton
Lynch
Manu
Westerman
Tickle

Aspinwall
Whiting
Green
Ellis

No O'Meley?

I'm not to fussed, Turner for Martin, Nicklas for Horne, Ellis for Seymour, Burnett for Lynch, Green for O'Carroll, Cunningham for Heremaia, that's the point of a squad.

Disappointing to be missing players in round one but most teams have injuries. It's why we have a squad.

Hope the young lads show up well and the others are back in contention soon.

is chris bridge and simon grix fit????? just in my fantasy thats all

Mistake by me that.

O Meley for Ellis, Houghton to do the full 80.

This.

After the whole pre season of player-for-player cover, we are now asking Whiting to come back in the centres! Brilliant.

I actually think Turner should be a back rower now, the guy is huge with decent ability. Not saying he'll get a look in at the moment as back row seems to be strong as usual.
But with all the talk of his defensive problems, a move to the middle would suit him. Centre is one of the hardest positions to defend as your out on the edge & have make split second decisions when often out numbered.
Unlike a back rower who will get through alot of tackling but usually has players around him to help out.
Just my thoughts but like I say there are plenty of players fighting for a back row spot so maybe he thought he had more chance of pushing for a chance at 1st team in the centres.

Agree about Turner defending in the centre that will likely be seriously exposed by Wire if it's what we go with. If Gentle didn't know before he will now about Turner's weakness in this area. I hope that Turner is encouraged to move into the pack (or out) next season and we have a top centre on our shopping list who can help bring on Ben Crooks. Martin was a good buy on a one year deal despite the furore on here when he was signed - it's a shame he's not 7 or 8 years younger.

on this forum we now have gone from Tony Martin being an embarrassing signing to one now injured being irreplaceable