Fair point and an edge of Griffin, Fonua and Faraimo is a pretty daunting thought so I get the point your are making but do feel Griffin has been great since the start of the season and the saying 'if it ain't broke don't fix it' springs to mind. That said it make a change that we are even able to have this discussion rather than pretty much know weeks in advance (bar injuries) what our 17 would be for each week.

Radford had hinted he would pick a 17 based on what he thought was the best suited for taking on the opposition they face.

The pack is the problem for Saints. No Walmsley, Roby, Amor or Knowles was a huge ask against Warrington. We had one prop and one back rower out, if we'd had that I think we'd have beaten them. If Knowles and Roby don't make it back as is hoped it becomes very unlikely we'll win unless we're nigh on perfect with completing sets and you make a load of mistakes, even if Makinson returns. Having a whole front row missing put a massive burden on Thompson, which reduces his effectiveness as he had to do huge minutes. Our side and indeed squad is still fine, we're still stronger than any side in Super League. But if you have 7 out including five who are arguably the best in their position in the league, it becomes daft, as you'll know after your recent seasons. It's still possible to win games but it's a huge ask.

Hull should be very confident. Your new signings look superb and Savelio playing well is a huge bonus I'd expect. I thought he was done, but he's been sensational the first two games. You've had a more than decent team for a few years now, but have been held back by injuries, this could be the season you realise the potential.

I agree and whilst Mau is out of the team seems the sensible option because it gives us more go forward in the second row.
Lane is an excellent defender but lacks size and as Radford has said we need to see more from him in attack,so whilst we are short of Mau and Satae it also means we can get Fonua some game time at left centre.
If Fonua needs to be interchanged then Griffin can slot back to centre and Lane introduced.
Like Johnstone but this is not a game to carry two hookers so would like to see Masi on the bench

Not sure why Hull should be very confident when we'll be missing at least 3 players who are, arguably, the best in the league in their position plus a couple who aren't

I thought lane struggled on Friday but it was his first game. He is good defensively but we lose a bit when he carries the ball compared to the likes of savelio and mau.

Assuming ellis is fit radford will play savelio and jones in the 2nd row and likely either start with fonua on the wing and carry an extra forward on the bench (my preferred option) or sit fonua on the bench and bring him on to move griffin into the 2nd row which we don't need IMO as both savelio and jones look like 80 minute players to me.

I expect we'll see johnstone on the bench again and houghton go to 13 which, again, reduces our go forward

Always like when houghton slots in at 13, seems to put people through gaps, and seems to confuse opposition

Quote: "Johnstone has done really well and didnt put a foot wrong at Leeds but cant see Radford playing him in front of Houghton'" Quite rightly so https://www.hulldailymail.co.uk/sport/r ... ar-3831284

Quote: "Johnstone has done really well and didnt put a foot wrong at Leeds but cant see Radford playing him in front of Houghton'" Quite rightly so https://www.hulldailymail.co.uk/sport/r ... ar-3831284

I’m still fuming at Kelly and Satae both missing through discipline reasons
They are usual first team players and will
Be a loss to the team unnecessarily
Ouch
However next man up !

Ellis back which is a boost

apparently storm dennis is due this weekend, hopefully the main deluge will be the saturday with the wind and rain

While Dannys been brilliant for us, im firmly in the camp whereas i think Johnstone gives us more zip going forward and has a better pass selection.

Did we speed up the play and make extra yards because of it when Johnstone came on in the derby?

Oh right. Who isn't playing? I've since seen Satae got banned and Kelly is out. Who is the other one? If our players that are expected back do return it looks to be very well matched.

Still, Hull should be very confident. You're a very good team.

I assume the 3 he is talking about are Satae, Kelly and Ma'u.

Faraimo, Ellis and Lane doubtful, plus Ma'u and Cator.

Ma'u is out? What's he done? Good for us, negates Walmsley's absence.