Sure Chamberlain will be back in the 17, maybe one of the young forwards ? Not haring much of Gardner these days - is he slipping down the list ?

Won't release Holmes as he played in the cup so counts on the cap doesn't he? Let's see how it plays out without getting stuck into him and the club.

Surely we should have sent holmes to see a knee specialist months ago if he's had the problem since last season? It was hardly likely to miraculously heal itself

Club have known about it all pre season, don’t know why they haven’t done anything about it. Promising start for the new back room staff

Feels similar, albeit not as severe, to the Abdull situation.

Clubs done everything possible to avoid surgery, however it now looks like surgery will be the only option.

Imagine he'd miss a few months at least, similar to what Asiata had done potentially last year.

I said we’d be lucky to get 10-15 games out of him, we seriously need to look at a back rower if he’s going to have a lengthy time out.

I imagine we were aware of Homes knee due to medicals and he may already have seen a specialist. I’ve heard the term wear and tear related to his problem. I guess the only surgical option is a washout with the odd jab. Not sure how long he’s contracted for but if it was a year then that’s about right.
We may not be able to find a back rower available who can strengthen us, so we might have to give the youth a chance. I would expect the staff foresaw this?

Two year deal for someone who was already starting to miss a large chunk of games was always a poor move for me could have accepted a year.

Going on my own experience with a long standing issue, I was advised by a specialist that the issue could be managed with physio & monitoring which was best course of action. All seemed to be going well and was improving, then a short while after during a check up they said surgery was only option.

It could be that the specialist has given Holmes & Club similar advice. So it’s not always as simple as saying the club should have known etc. I’m pretty sure the club will have known as much as possible, they would have to for insurance purposes alone. They will follow the guidance and advice given by the medical people as to why is best course of treatment and action accordingly.

Just hope that Holmes can make a recovery and at least have a part on the field in 2025.

Hardraker out too, going to be tough, either Westerman or Chamberlain at centre. Think we have too many out and can't see us getting anything from the game

Pr Rapana at centre, be tempted to play him against Wardle.