So why put him in the squad ? Or is it to scare the Rovers players that hes playing

Pretty much a full strength side. Let's hope we don't pick up any injuries and put in a decent performance. Personally, I think we could have done with another friendly

One season-ending injury already, though.

Not to a key player though

No, but the point is that we have a very thin squad and additional play-off games increases the likelihood of those playing gettting injured. We saw this in 2008 I think when we played Huddersfield and picked up a couple of bad injuries, and as said we've seen what was effectively our HB cover, even if not a senior player, out until 2012. I wouldn't be advocating more friendlies, personally.

Think that was 2007?

I think 08 was our first season of severe discontent.

Let's not play them at all then. It's a physical game and palyers are just as likely to get injured in game 1 as they are in a friendly

It's a fine balance though, isn't it? I can see both sides of the argument, but for me the lack of depth in our squad means that 2 games is probably right.

No, it was 2008. We lost 30-22 at home to Hudds and lost three players to injury IIRC, although it meant Tom Briscoe made his debut in the opening SL game at Warrington.

Possibly so but the issue is the lack of depth in the squad, not the number of friendlies

Yeah it was Kingys Testimonial game.

On another note why is Radford suddenly in everyones starting 13? Has he dramatically improved during the off-season or something?

1)Whiting
2)Sharp
3)Briscoe
4)Yeaman
5)Lyne
6)Turner
7)Long
8 )Dowes
9)Houghton
10)O'Meley
11)Westerman
12)Tickle
13)Fitzgibbon

14)Washbrook
15)Moa
16)Lauaki
17)Manu

Whenever I've seen Manu fill in at centre I've not been hugely impressed, I think the quick men out wide will expose him in defence so I'd rather see Lyne given a game.

A lot probably won't agree with Dowes but he'll be solid for use early doors and leaves us plenty of grunt to come off the bench. Plus with Radford only just coming back from injury it could be a bit of a risk.

Kris Welham scores alot of tries from short grubbers to the line is Willie Manu the best player to be expected to turn and chase this?

I wonder if a few places in the squad may change later today dependant on how the pitch holds up after 4 games.

Your not wrong there, possibly one of the strongest parts of his games. The guy is a chaser of lost causes and never gives in, the good thing is, most of Dobsons kicks are pretty good and he latches onto to a fair few of them.

Plus Welham is known for the odd brain fart in defence so having Tom Briscoe opposite would be my prefered option.