If we lose, it doesn't mean Radford was wrong of course, as we may have done even worse without the changes, but I know what his critics will be saying.

I agree with you, Radders is just to inconsistent with his promoting and dropping of players. I really do hope he gets it right tomorrow.

theres no reason Houghton can't manage 80 mins with Shaul helping out with his fast scoots from the acting half...giving us an extra forward from the bench & Horne as pivotal cover or any position in the three quarters.

Not many bigger Aaron h fans than me but he's right. Has dropped off. The real azza behind our forwards of last week would of torn Huddersfield to bits. Was decidedly quiet!
The whole mates thing is boring and childish. Most the coaches in the league are coaching personal friends ex teammates etc.
Horne on bench makes massive sense. Danny can do 80 often does, wouldn't want him to every week but if needs must. Our young halves could find it tough-Horne an option, also talonoa supposedly struggling with calf if he doesn't make it breaks down home could come into the centre or even full back with Jamie or whiting on wing, and at a push could cover 9 for a short spell.
Makes a lot of sense to me!!

If Horney has come in for a straight swap for Azza then no problem, I just don't want Radders dropping form players for the sake of it.

Tend to agree with all this. Since his stint in the halves AH hasn't been up to the standards he set early in the season - a short break may do him some good and Houghton can do 80 minutes for a game or two. Horne on the bench also makes sense as he can cover the backs and hooker at a pinch if required.

Regarding the pops at Radford, I'd say if anything his selections show a distinct lack of sentiment. I think he wants to win games and he's prepared to do whatever it takes. The so-called inconsistencies with who gets dropped and for how long have largely been a result of injuries forcing his hand.

I'm not a Radford fan by any means but I can't see that he's done much wrong here.

I guess for me it depends on the manner of a defeat as to whether I feel the team selection needs criticising. As you say, we might still have lost without the changes. For example, my preference tomorrow is that Rankin and Miller stay in the halves but if Horne plays there he won't be the reason we lose. Houghton potentially playing the full 80 without been interchanged is something that may have more of an effect on the match though. By this I mean if it looks like Houghton is exhausted towards the end then there would certainly be a case to question the lack of an interchange hooker. As others have pointed out Azza's form has dropped so he might not make much difference in that scenario.

It's all ifs and buts. Lets hope we're not discussing them tomorrow night.

Is Azza in form??

Like to see 4 props rotating plus Thompson off the bench used up the middle for last 20 mins of each half.
I think Radford will bring Horne straight back in with Rankin on the bench.
if Tal anoa doesn't make it then expext Thompson to fill the wing spot with Hadley back into the 17.
I agree about Heremaia.lost the zip in his play.Danny Houghton made a lot of metres from acting half against Huddersfield whereas Azza for the last 2 games has not performed in attack.
Goal kicking worries me.Rich Whiting cant seem to kick anything unless its near the posts whereas Burns has emerged as a real good goal kicker and can also drop goals with ease.
Kicks could be crucial in this game.

I thnk a lot are just looking for something that isnt really there regarding Horney being back in the 17. He's still a class player and it is imperative we have someone who can cover most of the back line, especially the halves. It makes perfect sense for him to come into the 17 and start on the bench. Whether Azza is unlucky or not is open to debate but tactically it makes sense (to me).

Whether we like it or not and a lot don't want to seem to recognise this, we have 2 very young, inexperienced half backs. Add into this we are up against 2 extremely experienced half backs and in Burns someone who will have learnt a lot from last years derby experiences. It wouldnt be the biggest shock if the wheels came off for one of Rankin or Miller but as they deserve their starting spots, having Horney on the bench is right thing to do and Azza is the 'unlucky' one this time.

I meant dropping our current halfbacks who are in form.

Rankin & miller were good against Hudds but there kicking game was not that good..imo horneys kicking game as been better when he has played.

I still think Radders should use Horney from the bench as cover, just in case things are not going to plan, which I hope he does.

Think that will be the case..especially if they muller miller.

They didnt last season.