Fash has played a bit of hooker so he could an option off the bench.

I think everyone is panicking, both Kelly and Shaul finished the game, with Carlos, Watts and tala back we will be fine. This would be my side

Shaul
Michaels
Fonua
Griffin
Talanoa
Kelly
Sneyd
Bowden
Washy
Taylor
Mini
Manu
Ellis

Green
Watts
Carlos (who id give a spell at hooker too)
Tomo

Looks good. On a general point I wouldn't be rushing anyone with marginal injuries back given the schedule coming up. Will be great to have Watts back, brings something really different to our pack IMO.

Me neither, if Carlos isn't fit we can cover him with Fash or Litten.

If Talanoa is still out, then maybe Rawsthorne (or Naughton if he back) on the wing.

Was Talanoa concussion?

Yes

Yes, and he was still suffering, so not even considered for the wigan game.

Brain injuries are horrible. I hope he doesn't have to retire but it's a possibility.

Would headgear help?

Headgear only protects from cuts and abrasions. They do nothing for concussion injuries.

I seem to remember talanoa missed a few last season after getting a concussion against maybe widnes? In fact I think we were maybe coasting in that game until he went off and we they fell away badly and got the hammering

I think it was Widnes. We were moaning in the pub about his defence but later found out it was a head injury.

I'm glad the sport takes these injuries seriously these days. Although looking at the NRL it still isn't as seriously as it could be.

We as a club seem to take them as seriously as anyone in SL and probably more than some clubs.

helmets don't help with TBIs in any sport/activity, they've found this out only recently in boxing because amateur boxers were having more concussions when wearing headgear, also people riding bikes are more likely to have ANY injury never mind a head injury/death. with the protection (at the very topmost part where hardly ever lands on anyway) tested to be equivalent to that of the forces involved when an adult head hits the ground if one trips whilst walking this is hardly surprising, they are simply designed to negate low level bruising/scrapes and the many claims that they saved someone's lives are utterly without evidence since the stats don't stack up in the slightest, quite the reverse in fact.

headgear not only induces you to take more risk, it offers begger all protection at the level we are talking about (TBIs)

Having watched the Movie - Concussion and read about this injury a fair bit in the media I have come to the conclusion that players should retire after 3 concussions