Interesting game at this early stage of the season, Widnes not the force of old when the mere mention of their name would more or less guarantee a drubbing at their place. I watched the highlights of their game at Swinton last week and thought how on earth have they come to this. A win would would be a decent indicator for us but the prospect of getting injuries at Bradford really does counter that feeling. Just wish the lads all the best and enjoy.

We're looking lighter in the front row than I'd have liked, seems all the knocks we've picked up have been props

Well time to try to pick the seventeen, no doubt Horne will pick something totally different.

Craig Hall
Elliot Hall
Brad Hey
Reece Lyne
Misi Taulapapa
Ben Johnston
Connor Robinson
Suaia Matagi
Joe Lovodua
Brad Knowles
Sam Smeaton
Alex Sutcliffe
Ilikaya Mafi

Greg Burns
Tyla Hepi
Jude Thompson
Watson Boas

This will let Thompson, Mafi, Burns, Taulapapa and E. Hall get some minutes in their legs before the season starts.

Hopefully for York we will have everyone available

Do you think we've got some knocks or is Richard Horne rotating to give everyone some game time?

The Dons website says Pauli Pauli has got a one match ban. Was this carried over from the end of last season but didn't apply to the 1895 cup?

Adam's team doesn't look too far off what I think Richard Horne might go with although I think he'll play Craig Hall on the wing and Elliot Hall at full-back.

It relates to the Midlands game

rlhttps://www.rugby-league.com/governance/rules-and-regulations/disciplinary/disciplinary-case?case

I'm not sure what to pick with this, I think it's fair to say if we go with three props this week we are going to go with three props every game this year (and with Thompson and Mafi being on the small side I think we will), similarly if Lovodua isn't a 13 this week it is unlikely he ever will be.

Unless we view Hepi as another prop since can play anywhere in the pack?

Honestly still kinda hopeful now Cas have signed another prop Vete might become available again.

With him we could have Pauli on the bench as an impact second rower and have Holdstock, Knowles, Matagi and Vete as four props and Hepi, Sutcliffe etc in the backrow. Would make of an interesting pack.

In the meantime we'll see how we go with what we've got.

I think I do primarily count Hepi as a prop

Bet365 ...

Widnes -4 10/11
Dons +4 10/11
Handicap Draw 16/1

A Dons win is 6/4.

Skybet ...

Widnes -2 10/11
Dons +2 10/11
Handicap Draw 16/1

Live commentary is being listed on BBC Merseyside TotalSport https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/live/rugby-league/68216167

Live commentary is being listed on BBC Merseyside TotalSport https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/live/rugby-league/68216167

Whats everyone thinking about that handicap? I'd have at least on swinton's level and they did a job on Widnes, personally that 6/4 dons win looks tasty

I actually thought they'd have given us a bigger start, but only because of where the clubs were last year. Also I worry about our missing forwards today, I'd be quite confident (as far as I ever am) with a full squad

It would appear that the playing surface may have influenced the squad selection. Said it again and again not bothered what the result may be, more concerned we don't pick up any long term knocks.

Was not expecting that score at half time. Oh well, Wembley will have to wait.