My starting 17 for the opener versus Cas Tigers:

Sio;

Mantomato, Sami (if he arrives in time) Thornley, Dixon;

Blair, Kelly;

Walker, French John, Allgood;

Lawler, Horne;

Clarkson;

Bench: Green, Tilse, Greenwood & Donaldson


IMO Lawler is in on merit, Donaldson to stint with French John

He's got 11 on his back, and was our best back rower (I know, I know) last season. Putting him in the halves would be playing out of position.

IMO it is probably too early but Campo has been in full training for over a week now (read his York Post blog) and I'm wondering if he might make an appearance on Sunday. I'm told he is already on the team sheet for the Wakefield game.
What do you think? is it too much of a gamble?

I would love Campese to be fit but see it as too much of a risk, although Marsh has been very quiet in pre season I believe he deserves a chance in a proper game, and would be seriously undermined if Blair our best second rower was played at 6.
My Team:
Sio
Dixon
Thornley
Minns
Mantellato
Marsh
Kelly
Walker
Boudebza
Green
Blair
Horne
Clarkson

Allgood
Greenwood
Mulhern
Donaldson

Decent team that RRTR

I wouldn't be throwing the new lad in either, no preparation whatsoever remember Wayne Uglia.

I've been told by a reliable source that Cockayne will be full back and Sio on the wing. Can't see Dixon making the team.

Would you be happy with this decision?

So did this reliable source give you the other 15 names?

Campese IMO will be lucky to be back anytime soon . Shame as he is a class ac

No not at all, I'd sticjk with Dixon at full back, but apparently CC wants an 'old head' at full back for the first game.

Sounds like a Chester old pals act to me, I would have Sio full back and Dixon on the wing, but seemingly Dixon seems to be the new scapegoat.

Does Chester actually know his best team?

is this a hunch or do you have any thing concrete to back it up?

If Cockayne is at FB then I can only assume Chester is really feeling the pressure which is a major negative in my book.