[quote="Mr. Zucchini Head":22h9qg9m]I just don't see what meaningful practice and fitness they are going to get playing against amateur opposition. For me it's just about getting through it without injuries. I would look at the squad and say, which players can we not afford to be without for the start of the season. Those guys wouldn't play. There is no point. Moy Martin Westerman Briscoe Barron Cust Kemp Sao Balmforth Aydin Lane Jebson Gardiner Salabio Fash Hutchison Kirby A smattering of first teamers to show respect to York Acorn and the competition, another chance for a few of the youngsters to make an impact, and guys like Asiata, Rapana and Sezer wrapped in cotton wool. Even with that team I would expect to be winning by at least 80.[/quote:22h9qg9m] It’s about going through drills they’ve learned on the training ground and having a ‘game head’ on, giving players match fitness. So there’s every point imo

[quote="Steve0":3b7n7edm]IMG had suggestions to revamp the cc didn't they with group stages and two legged semi finals? The club's I imagine rejected it, the RFL came up with this ill thought out novel idea, now they're looking to revamp it again. Don't spend 500k a year on consultants if you're not going to listen to them! The club's thinking they know best is why IMG were brought in in the first place. The third round draw would've been better if super league clubs weren't seeded, could've been a few big teams out early doors that way and an amateur/champ team would've had more chance of getting to a later round, thereby rekindling the magic of the cup, rather than it's current state[/quote:3b7n7edm] I think maybe as the word suggests img we’re consulting. Ie a discussion with rather than a directive to the clubs. Img are amongst other things trying to make money for the game. The clubs are trying to make money too but can’t do this by having players play too many games. If most teams can develop sizeable squads filled with youth then fair enough. For me clubs need to have a reserve team and at same time be able to afford a sizeable squad. It’s a conundrum. Given that there is a limited reserve league then the cc certainly needs some youth in it. But clubs need to imprint their training on match day. I’m sure Cartwright knows all this better than us

[quote="Ellam":3rt423qa]Surely Asiata play first half with Cust then rest them, can see Balmforth going in halves 2nd half. Kemp Barron Jebson Westerman Martin Moy Cust Fash Balmforth Aydin Holmes Kirby Asiata Subs Ashworth Gardiner Hutchinson Salabio[/quote:3rt423qa] Don't think that's far off, although Johnston is a centre I think, so I'd play him there and Jebson off the bench, maybe instead of Ashworth. Anyone know of Wainhouse is injured, not seen him mentioned at all during pre season?

[quote="Steve0":tv7vzqic]Something needs to change with it, for me and I imagine most other fans, it doesn't really get interesting until the quarter/semi final, even then, given the small no. of top flight teams, it gets boring playing the same teams over and over. If we're paying for the 'spreadsheet Charlie's' for the next ten years, we might as well use them, rather than listening to chairmen that care about themselves only[/quote:tv7vzqic] I think fan input is great as we want bums on seats but img etc have the responsibility of using the competition to market the game and make money amongst other things. Whatever you think of the RFL and IMG they have a tough job. We need the game on terrestrial tv but not Wigan v Isle of Skye ARLFC

[quote="Dave K.":tenmwkdh]Anyone know of Wainhouse is injured, not seen him mentioned at all during pre season?[/quote:tenmwkdh] It was in the HDM last week that he was back in full training after his ACL rupture. I don't think we will be rushing him into anything after such a long recovery.