Bit different with Calderwood though. Long is a vital part of our team so Noble might focus on targetting him and have a specific game plan ready, where as with Calderwood is only on the wing and wouldn't of made a real to the oppositions game plan.

Calderwood isnt a pivotal player though. It looks as though Justin Morgan is employing similar tactics this week with Galea.

I doubt coaches have specific game plans for specific halfbacks to that extent. They all pretty much do exactly the same job with varying degrees of success. Longs main strength is his organisational play, how would an opposition gameplan stop him organising the attack?

Id still go in with what I said, with the experience in the halves. Turner will get his games but I don't with he should be chucked in, with a makeshift half back partner.

Who said anything about organising attacks ? They could have a basic game plan of running at Long and tiring him out.

Washy & Berro failed last year why do you think they will fare any better this year?

Again I dont see how a coaches gameplan would significantly differ if Long is playing or not. Most teams focus on their own style of play and the overall style of play of the opposition rather than focusing on particular individual opposition players.

Or that could be the gameplan regardless of who the halfback happens to be? Any "edge" we might get from pretending Long has a chance of playing is so marginal its not worth misleading the fans IMO. All of this is hypothetical ATM anyway and we will only know if he doesn't play next week.

Behind a better pack.

Why does it matter if its misleading the fans ? I know I wont be losing any sleep over it. Theres only Moa or one of the younger players who could of come into the 19 anyway, if it puts any doubt in Nobles mind then its worth it.

The Crusaders will have to include Long and Horne in their pre match training plans for the opposition. Also why put added pressure on whoever is gonna play halves if both are missing? Makes sense from both angles to me.

Pack was not the problem last year.

I don't get what all the fuss is about. No body on here even knows which players are definitely out other than those announced by the club. If they did you would have to assume letting that information out without the clubs consent would result in them not being privvy to information like that again. People who lack integrity generally are not trusted with sensitive information.

The only conclusion that can be drawn from what we know to be true is that Long and Horne are carrying knocks and will be given every chance to play.

There is nobody else in the Hull squad who can play the same role as Long. You will therefore have to slightly adapt your style of play if he doesnt make it. I would do exactly what Agar is doing, assuming of course that Long is a doubt at all.