Not sure what the odds are but would imagine with most of our spine out + respective league positions Wigan will be favourites.

Think we are without Shaul, Naulago, Kelly, Sneyd, Taylor, Jones and possibly Ma'u we could line up like:

Wynne
Swift
Fonua
Griffin
Faraimo
Tuimavave
Connor
Ellis
Johnstone
Fash
Ma'u (if fit)
Lane
Cator

Satae
Sao
Houghton
Bowden

The concern having watched a bit of Wigan's game at the weekend is that they are so good at defending for long periods then scoring on the counter, so will need to be a special performance from a side with some unfamiliar combinations.

Brown over Bowden all day

Forgot about Savelio. Would be good to get a couple back at least.

The only possible absentee from last week that I'm overly concerned about is Kelly.
We've shown we have strength in depth in the backs and forwards so far this season.
Kelly is irreplaceable though in terms of making things happen especially with Sneyd missing.

AL said in an interview there was no chance Taylor would play, so I guess there must be a chance.

I would be surprised if Taylor and Jones did actually play, match fitness is getting more important these days, how they get it is another matter.

As said Savelio should play but Mau has been nursing an ankle injury for the last two weeks and it flared up again against Cas.
Had it in ice on the FC dressing room photo so could be a doubt about him.
Cant see how Last could drop Fash,Cator or Lane but i think Houghton will get the nod over Johnstone this week.

.... I'd play Houghton, I thought he had a great game at the weekend, same with Shaul, pity he's definitely out with concussion (he had a bad one last year so could well be missing for a while).

Wynne
Swift
Fonua
Griffin
Faraimo
Tuimavave
Connor
Taylor
Johnstone
Brown
Savelio
Lane
Cator

Satae
Sao
Houghton
Fash

I think we l see Taylor and Savelio back, I don't think Ellis will play after the Cas game 39 and needs a rest, I think Lane and Fash need a breather, but if Mau needs downtime then Lane starts again.

Funny what a contract extension can do
Carlos had a blinder and was class,Houghton and Shaul two players that have come in for a lot of criticism lately and seems that they have new contracts both had good games.
Houghton in particular had to step up and credit to him he worked his socks off in the last two games.
Feel sorry for Johnstone but i think he will miss out this weekend as Last may go for a bigger forward on the bench

....I thought the rumours that Houghton and Shaul had new deals was months ago?

Not signed off yet but seems to be close to be announced by the club

The front row is the big concern for us with Bullock breaking his hand at the weekend, Flower suspended, Clubb injured, Byrne isolating and George Burgess looking in constant pain with his hip and being an absolute liability. We could put Sean O’Loughlin in there but he’s awaiting test results for Covid after a family member displayed symptoms.

These things are sent to test us though and Hull have more than their fare share of issues. I think both sides look on a pretty good place. Our spine looks stronger with your issues but your middle forwards could batter us if the young props get targeted.

I'd go
Wynne
Ratu
Fonau
Griffin
Faraimo
Carlos
Connor
Taylor or Ellis
Johnstone
Fash
Lane
Ma'u
Cator
Subs
Savelio
Houghton
Satae
Sao

It seems a lifetime ago, early on this season when we played you last, we brought a great following, and showed some early promise, I think we were undone by Farrell in the end, and Bev French, was too hot to handle.
A classic CC encounter on the cards, our defence needs to be a lot better for us to progress.

Hope all Wigans CV 19 cases are resolved safely NickyKiss, I know you sent the same sentiments to our club at the time.