Been very impressed with Bowden in pre-season, deserves his chance.

Strong squad that, bench a little light with Thompson there instead of Tuson.

I'd go with Rankin & Miller all day, but I know Radford won't. I expect the team to be as Ellam has listed.

Bowden definitely deserves his chance regardless of injuries. He's outplayed both Green and Watts, especially the latter.

I think he'll go with

Shaul
Lineham
Crooks
Yeaman
Talanoa
Rankin
Horne
Paea
Houghton
Bowden
Ellis
Thompson
Westerman

Carvell
Feka
Heremaia
Whiting

Personally if swap miller for Horne and Pitts for Thompson.
Is Pitts injured?

Was thinking the same. He's better than Thompson.

According to James Smailes on Twitter, he's not injured.

Another one who's out of favour with the coach?

Does it add fuel to the fire about Pitts being one to leave - we don't want to play him for cap qualification reasons? I don't know obviously but from what I've seen I agree he looks better than Thompson.

Same prediction for me.

...or maybe Radford can't squeeze more than 19 players into a 19 player squad?

...or maybe Thompson is also cover for the backs?

There always has to be conspiracy theory with some.

He didn't play against Featherstone either.

I think he is entitled to ask.

Pitts at least looked like he was trying pre-season.
Westerman has looked poor but is in the squad.

I'm happy to call this a conspiracy !

I'm not going to read anything into Pitts exclusion for now. This is only the squad for our first competitive game of the season. Someone was always going to miss out.

That doesn't surprise me.

rlIs this the Jay Pitts you're referring to?rl

It looks like Radford doesnt think much about Miller.Be interesting to see if he gets a chance when Horne gets his inevitable injury or will we see Heremaia as a make do and mend half back again.

Agree wth your starters and bench. Happy that Horne starts he has to stay in good form to keep Miller out, hope the rumours about Miller potentially being moved on are unfounded and it's just a case of Radders not wanting to start the season with two rookies in the halves. If Miller features in Radfords plans (and being named in the 19 suggests that he does) then I expect him to make his first start against Bradford in round 4 (barring injuries / poor form from Rankin / Horne)

Willing to give Thompson a chance before knocking him, but I too would have preferred Pitts, so don't understand why he is not in the 19 if not injured, and having had pre-season praise from Radders. Bradford have just taken a 2nd row / prop from Wire on a month loan. so maybe a permanent move to the Bulls could be on the cards?

I would put Arundel on bench instead of Thompson, if he's not starting, he offers better cover in the backs and think he's big enough to play S R