You are right, but perhaps it is just one thing, we were consistently bad at home

Rovers have some threats, two big strong and a very good attacking FB. Also if Parcell plays he offers a big threat from dummy half. They will try and ho around us and target our wingers as they shouldn't be able to cope with our pack, which looks weak with Garbutt the exception.

They don’t come much bigger than Hurrel Dave, and Jack Walker is as good as any from the back, Leeds were completely nullified, but understand your theory on their game plan, perhaps Swift in for Burretta, with his hopefully better defence, can shore up that possible weakness.

You are responding because you always do, and you are always wrong. But your diving in pyjamas to pick up a brick record is safe.

When selecting a team for this I reckon there are two schools of thought. We know that Rovers physically aren't a match for us. We are a much bigger and stronger side across the board. So do you just try to ram this advantage home by putting 4 big men on the bench to try to beat them up for 80 minutes? Or do you sacrafice a bit of size to give us a few more options and threats, knowing that the pack will still be able to dominate even if the bench is a bit smaller?

I would lean towards the latter, but I still can't decide on a team. If everyone feels that Fonua is 100% and raring to go after blowing off some cobwebs in the reserves then I would put him in. However there is no rush if we still feel he needs another week. I would however like to see Kelly in there. He is a threat at the worst of times, with this pack he can do so much damage.

If Fonua is ready I would pick:

Shaul
Naulago
Tuimavave
Fonua
Faraimo/Swift
Connor
Sneyd
Taylor
Houghton
Satae
Jones
Ma'u
Sao

Savelio
Bowden
Kelly
Griffin

It's a really tough call though. You could go 5 or 6 different ways and they would all have merit.

That would be my preferred team but cant see Houghton starting although he will be in the 17 as Radford has confirmed that already.
Radford also stated there will be a couple of changes so if Houghton is one with Ellis dropping out i hope the other is Kelly.
That said it would be wrong to drop Johnstone who i thought made our play the ball much faster and a bit harsh if Faraimo made way for Swift.

I cant see Kelly get in until hes proven he wants to be apart of the team attitude wise. I reckon another week on the reserves for him.

I think Johnstone will start, with Houghton making the bench, i also think Savelio will start at loose forward instead of Ellis. As well as Fonua in and Griffin dropping to the bench.


Shaul
Naulago
Tuimavave
Fonua
Faraimo
Connor
Sneyd
Taylor
Johnstone
Sao
Jones
Ma'u
Savelio

Bench of
Houghton
Griffin
Satae
Bowden

Lane and Ellis to miss out. Sao to play big minutes at loose forward and prop.

Not one for repeating unsubstantiated gossip, but I heard from numerous people on Sunday, Albert had a disagreement with Radders, regarding Albert being asked to be benched hooker replacement for young Jonno.

But aside of a couple of unsubstantiated rumours there has been no indication that there is anything wrong with Kelly's attitude.

Lol

But that's exactly what you have done



I'm not one for gossip...but have you all heard the latest gossip??

Not sure what that is supposed to mean tbh.

We know Kelly has had off field issues, but when it comes to playing matters when have you doubted his attitude? He never gives less than his best for the team. I would be surprised if this rumour is true. He doesn't seem like a sulker to me.