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.

we keep hearing about Tom Briscoe been this world class centre in the future, but when is Agar going to try him there? theres no doubting the kid is very talented but if hes going to be a centre he needs to be there now, i think it would be a big ask to throw him in at centre tomorrow,

I am not sure I have heard any-one claim he will be a world class centre, he is certainly an International winger, I think his natural progression could be to the centre and it will happen when both Tom & Coach are ready I suppose (if it ever happens)

Tom Briscoe has been thrown into many challenges already in his career. Debut opposite Matt King at 16, a Wembley appearance in the centres at 17, international appearances against the big 2 and I think everyone would agree he has done very well.

I dont see playing him in the centre as a challenge too big for him personally in fact I think he would soon establish himself as Hull FC's best centre. Some players relish the big occasion and challenges and I would put Tom into this category.

Its not as if tomorrows game is a knockout comp it really is only 2 competition points with the added baggage of a local derby.