If thats the decision it is beyond stupid. It would be yet another chapter in the Agar book of not having the balls to leave out a "senior" player. 4 Forwards on the bench makes no sense as we have several forwards who can do a lot of minutes anyway.

I dont think you can afford to carry players just incase of an injury though. If Agar doesnt think Washy is upto it then its a risk we will have to take. Highlights even more our need for a half back/ hooker though.

Agar has actually stated Tom's natural position is centre, which is also where he's played throughout his early years. He got his SL chance on the wing through injury if I recall correct and he's excelled - to an International standard. I'm personally slightly in the "keep him on the wing" camp - but I would love to see him come inside and have a run at centre. He's our biggest strike weapon and wingers see the least ball - especially Hull wingers.

A 6ft 4 inch hooker

Whilst the bench has become a means of changing the game and keeping players fresh, its main role should always be to cover injuries/knocks to players IMO.

Washy has to be on the bench.

Washy should be on the bench imo, but if he's not then what I have suggested is probably the best option.

Anyway, at the risk of tempting fate, when does Houghton ever get hurt? He's nails.

I would go -

1 - Whiting
2 - Sharp
3 - Turner
4 - Yeaman
5 - Briscoe
6 - Westerman
7 - Long
8 Dowes
9 - Houghton
10 OMeley
11 Radford
12 Tickle
13 Fitz

14 Luaki
15 Manu
16 Moa
17 Washbrook

Would rather put Westerman in the halfs than really disrupt the back line and have to put Briscoe in centre etc. Think this leaves more people in natural positions and Westerman could do a job at 6. Washy to cover 6 and 9 if needed if things open up.

Whiting
Lyne
Yeaman
Briscoe
Sharp
Turner
Long
O'Meeley
Houghton
Radford
Westerman
Tickle
Fitzgibbon

Moa
Lauaki
Manu
Washy

That would be my side, Houghton can do the odd game for 80 mins but it is not something I would like to see repeated often.

Swap dowes for washy Paul and you've got it spot on from what I'm hearing, not long to wait now though!! Come on you ulla!

Houghtons distribution isnt the quickest when he comes on for 20min spells never mind doing the full 80. I cant see RA leaving Washbrook out.

Houghtons alot like Roby who cant do the full 80 at hooker which is why they had him and Moore on for all the game or most of it.

IF Agar selects 4 forwards on the bench, its suicide -IMHO

No replacement for either Long or Houghton is a recipe
for disaster.

Washbrook or Williams must be on the bench.