So we’ve Murphy and Evans to fit in, only Hallas is definitely out.

You can’t fault any of the 17 against Fev for effort. Who’s going to cover 13? Evans or Fleming may be able to - or 1 of the second row? Murphy, Gallagher or Rooks?

My own thought would be Evans to 13. Murphy to start, Rooks to the bench. Both B England and Walker to miss out with Levy getting a bench spot.

I don't really rate Rooks at all. I'd maybe bring Murphy off the bench with it being his first game.



The big decision is at HB. I know Brown has had some criticism but he hasn't really seemed to have had a role IMO I haven't really liked us having him at stand off one minute then out on the wing the next. Think last week should have been used to see what Race could do.



I think having a third prop at 13 is definitely the way to go with us unsure at HB

I think being moved around from one position to another can make it really difficult for a young player. Especially given that it's been ages since we played properly so I'm prepared to cut Brown some slack for a while.



I too think Gallagher is ahead of Rooks. If Murphy is fit he gets in the team. Hallas is a big loss as we missed his workrate and commitment.

Personally I think apart from Murphy who we haven't seen yet, Brad England has been our best 2nd row followed by Gallagher.

For me it’s:



1. Sanderson

2. Hamlett

3. R. Evans

4. Oakes

5. Wallis/DFJ

6. Pickersgill

7. Brough

8. Crossley

9. Doyle

10. Walker

11. Murphy

12. Gallagher

13. Fleming



14. Flanagan

15. B. Evans

16. Nzoungou

17. B. England

I so can't wait for this, was absolutely gutted re the Fev game but the league is the biggie. Not saying we will win the comp, I'd be well happy if we get into the top 5 or even 6th.

So you’re keeping Walker in. He does need game time, and 5 years ago he was a competitive SL squad level prop. Nothing fancy, but got the job done. If we could get him back to that this year, that’ll suit him, the club and Wales RL as well.

Looks like we are about to lose Flanagan again for a long period of time. Grade F charge for attack to testicles again. 8+ game ban, I imagine it will be longer as 2nd offence recently. Is Danny Maskill still available I wonder?

I think we would have to find a place for Scurr in the 17.

Hopefully Flanagan had some innocent excuse or something. If not they should throw the book at him the daft get.



Expect Berry will cover with Doyle being 1st choice. Far from ideal.

Yeah looks like some young players will have to step up. With Flanagan looking like long term, and Hallas also out for a while, Kear may have to bite the bullet and go with Berry. I'd imagine he'll try get someone on loan but that's not going to be a solution for 8+ weeks.

Not sure about 'innocent excuse'. I realise that hands are all over the place in a moving or rolling tackle but I assume the tackled player made a complaint? I can't see the ref jumping in otherwise unless it was totally unambiguous and it certainly wasn't that from what I saw. If he did do it he's even dafter than I thought.