My only concern is the lack of game time given to Kelly and Sneyd. They need to form a partnership (I appreciate it will take more than a few pre season games) and it will only happen when they are out on the field together.

Does anyone really want this derby match crowds have dwindled over the years for this friendly I think Radford and Sheens would rather not play it but money talks I suppose

I was thinking that seen as it could well be the only one this year then a few more people might turn out at least.

I think anything around 8k will be good, probably be better to play a weakened team as it will be of a standard game on the middle 8 teams you will face, no point in facing our strongest side and getting a hammering.

I'm not sure playing Kelly in this one would be a good idea, he's bound to be on the end of some cheap shots from the dobbins. Anyway another reason to avoid this unwelcome fixture.

Its not for me. I'm enjoying some family time but I'll be there when it matters and, lets face it, a match against the Dobbins doesn't really matter!!

This is irrelevant to burn-out, that was due to other factors, an extra 30-40 minutes in a friendly against lower level opposition particularly is not going to effect how knackered players are at the back end of the season.

I'd rather see a coach doing what they think is the most effective way to build up pre-season than pander to what fans and shareholders want in terms of bums on seats(£££) and getting to see the 'star' turns and any potential of an extra few season passes which frankly to suggest people would buy on the back of one friendly is pushing it somewhat in terms of reality.

Last season we got off to a cracking start comprehensively beating Cats and Salford with some fantastic rugby, IF that is replicated and the same galvanising of the players then any pre-season doubts fall by the way-side.

Radford playing the long game. Quite a few of the 11 of our starting 13 not selected against Cas aren't back from the Xmas break I think; opportunities to give the fringe a run more valuable for Radford to assess who's knocking on the door. As for bragging rights Nearly two years since they won a competitive derby. Throw the lower leaguers a bone

Radford hinting that Kelly may get a run out.Ticket sales must be slow

Ugger it am off. Just wanna see sum.rugby.

Which senior players if any, would you like to see get a run out against KR? Personally I'd like to see Connor, Griffin, Tuimavave and Kelly all get a game. I'd like to see Tuimavave at right centre and Connor from full back. Although can't see Griffin getting a game.

Griffin is being rested as he's got a slight knock apparently

Griffin out and Kelly in, so still just 2 of our starting 13 playing. Long afternoon ahead for our second string but looking forward to seeing which, if any, of the fringe players step up against a strong Rovers side.

Looks like we're throwing the game then judging by the squad. Maybe it's to get more rovers fans there next year? The only one of these I've been to was Horne's testimonial. I have no interest in friendlies.

I don't get the argument about resting the senior players. We need some game time together before the first game or we'll go in "undercooked" and probably lose to wakefield who will be looking for a big start to the season. Not giving kelly and sneyd game time together is crazy IMO. 2 or 3 unxpected losses early in the season could see us out of the running for the top 4 anyway. In season squad management is much more important in keeping the players fresh than a couple of hours in pre season games

Don't forget we still have three more after this. I'd expect to see a couple more guys get a run against Toronto, and then pretty much full strength in the last two.

I would imagine the main reason Kelly is playing is because Radford wanted to see how the youngsters looked with a more experienced pivot to guide them around a bit, as they would have in a SL game, and Kelly has been back training alot longer than Sneyd. I doubt he will play big minutes.