Round 4 | vs. Toulouse Olympique (Home) : Wed Feb 22, 2017 11:21 am  

So this weekend sees us up against the new boys Toulouse. I think this will be much closer than the previous match against them where we won 98-6

With the arrivals of Lee Smith and possibly Phoenix this week we look a bit stronger. Hopefully Lilley should be back from his knock last week but Hallas will be out. Lumb should also be back too following a slight knock against Rochdale.

Thomas had a great game and for that I'd be tempted to stick with him, even though I want Campbell there. Moore dictated the ruck and the pack at the weekend for me and we will need him to do the same against this strong pack of Toulouse's. Their outside backs in Minga and Kheirallah need closing down otherwise I think they will rip us apart, as I think we are weak defensively out wide.

Team for me has to be:

14. Oscar Thomas
2. Ethan Ryan
4. Ross Oakes
0. Lee Smith
5. Iliess Macani
6. Leon Pryce
28. Jordan Lilley
8. Liam Kirk
34. Scott Moore
15. Jon Magrin
16. Kevin Larroyer
11. Colton Roche
20. James Bentley


9. Joe Lumb
17. Ross Peltier
31. Mikolaj Oledzki
32. Johnny Walker

If the conditions aren't great I'd go with this team. A recall for Peltier and I feel he offers a lot of go forward. Jordan-Roberts to miss out as I feel he doesn't really offer much other than being a body. Walker has experience although lacking fitness. However I'd play him. If conditions are good and he is here I would play Phoenix off the bench instead of Lumb.

Interesting that we could potentially have selection dilemma's in Week 4!!

[Bullseye]

Re: Round 4 | vs. Toulouse Olympique (Home) : Wed Feb 22, 2017 11:32 am  

Playing Lee Smith depends a lot on fitness. Might be a bit soon.

I’d keep Keyes in the 17. Moore said he’s familiar with Keyes having played with him before so that counts for a lot. I’d go with the following:

Thomas
Macani
Mendeika (unless Smith has been smashing it at training)
Oakes
Ryan
Pryce
Lilley
Peltier (need more size in the pack early on so if fit Ross is in)
Moore
Magrin
Larroyer
Roche
Bentley

Keyes
Walker
Oledzki
Kirk

Re: Round 4 | vs. Toulouse Olympique (Home) : Wed Feb 22, 2017 11:36 am  

Actually thought Jordan-Roberts showed up well against Swinton. Some decent carries. Definetly like to see Peltier in there. Be a tough old game this.

Don't read too much into Toulouse losing to Sheffield as to what they will be like on the road. There were a few factors to take into account for that result. A couple of Leigh players playing for Sheffield. The awful weather. It was the second game too on Wakeys pitch and it looked a mud bath.

Re: Round 4 | vs. Toulouse Olympique (Home) : Wed Feb 22, 2017 11:52 am  

I hope we edge it..
I'm saying us by 6 or 4..

you can also factor in that we are supposed to have made another signing, which I think will be announced late in the week to allow Toulouse less time to prepare.

[Bullseye]

Re: Round 4 | vs. Toulouse Olympique (Home) : Wed Feb 22, 2017 12:09 pm  

Think Toulouse are a dry weather/firm pitch type of side (like us).

Re: Round 4 | vs. Toulouse Olympique (Home) : Wed Feb 22, 2017 12:45 pm  

Well we certainly look a lot bigger in the forwards now. Could line up like below.

Thomas
Macani
Mendieka
Oakes
Ryan
Pryce
Keyes
Peltier
Moore
Margrin
Larroyer
Bentley
Roche

Walker
Murray
Oldeski
Jordan-Roberts/Kirk/Lilley/Lumb

Re: Round 4 | vs. Toulouse Olympique (Home) : Wed Feb 22, 2017 1:12 pm  

Everyone happy with Pryce's contributions so far then? I know he's old and the heavy pitches won't be helping, but he's been a complete passenger so far this season imo.
I'd try Lilley and Keyes in the halves while they are both still at the club.

Thomas
Macani/Caro (if fit)
Mendeika/Smith
Oakes
Ryan
Keyes
Lilley
Peltier
Moore
Magrin
Roche
Larroyer
Bentley

Murray
Oledski
Kirk
Walker/Lumb (if fit)

[Bullseye]

Re: Round 4 | vs. Toulouse Olympique (Home) : Wed Feb 22, 2017 1:21 pm  

Pryce seems to have a calming influence even if he's walking on knackered knees.

Re: Round 4 | vs. Toulouse Olympique (Home) : Wed Feb 22, 2017 1:40 pm  

Don't underestimate Pryce's contributions on the field. Yes he hasn't be a huge influence in attack in terms of breaking down teams. But as stated he's 35. What he does bring is a lot of talk on the field. That is invaluable for the lads. Especially considering our only other leader is on a 4 game trial and has played 1 game for us.

For me he is the glue this season. Without him we have no team, no club and no hope. Because of his contributions the lads believe and rally around him.

Re: Round 4 | vs. Toulouse Olympique (Home) : Wed Feb 22, 2017 3:18 pm  

I'd change Walker for this new Murray bloke. Murray is likely to be a lot fitter than Walker due to actually having a pre-season. Plus he'll be looking to rip in and show what he's got being his first game.