It could well backfire, but then again I thought that if we go full strength then too many minds might be on next week and not getting injured and not properly focused so it could've gone wrong that way too.



As I mentioned last week, whilst the starting 13 for the CC Semi looks fairly certain the bench spots are still up for grabs IMO. Hopefully we'll see the likes of those who are fighting for them (Bailey, Kirke, Singleton, Walters, Achurch, Ward, Sutcliffe) play with an intent to make sure they get a gig vs Wire.

I think we should line up like this:



Kear, Williams, Arundel, Blythe, Henry, Gaskell, Gale, Manuokafoa, O'Brien, Sidlow, Olbison, Pitts, Donaldson.

Addy, Mellor, Ferguson, Fakir.

Baldwinson and Conroy to miss out.



This is essentially the derby that doesn't matter, I did get a bit giddy after beating Wigan and tip Bradford to win by two - and now seeing the squads I'm that little bit more hopeful. But honestly, I think *ahem* home advantage will see you through this one. The couple of extra days may also make a difference as to how many.

I'm a little worried looking at that team really. There are a lot of vital cogs missing from that squad. You could argue that 4 of our 6 most influential players are missing. Time for others to make a name for themselves

Mac has only rested Watkins and Hall the other absentees are injured.



Bit of a risk to play Handley at centre for his debut. I would play him on the left wing (I think his usual spot in the U/19s) and play Briscoe at left centre and Sutcliffe at right centre with BJB on the right wing. Achurch has experience in the backs so could provide cover. So this would mean only Briscoe and Sutcliffe to play out of position but both have played recently and should be up to speed. Although Sutcliffe didn't impress on his previous outing at centre IMO he looks at his best running out wide on the right. Briscoe has experience for Hull at left centre and should be solid.



Robbie Ward and Minchella to drop out.



Needs the established players to step up and the returning injured to stake a claim for a regular place.

Its a big risk resting Watkins & Hall when Moon is also injured, its basically removing our threequarter threat.



Saying that, the pack looks strong and should be able to make in roads up the middle for Burrow and McGuire to exploit.... Should.

Coach can't win.



He rests a few gets accused of over confidence.



Doesn't and we get an injury, and gets accused of flogging players.



The balance is right for me, a few rested. Big game following week but enough quality to do the job against Bulls (that's not underestimating either)

Would have thought Walters would be one of them wouldn't he?

It's ok, we never get Watkins quality ball anyway and Moon just runs to the sideline cramping Hall's space.

Yeah if the likes of Peacock and Watkins were played on Friday and got injured missing next week there'd be Armageddon on this board.



Think he perhaps is missing one three quarter too many but overall it's ok. Still as strong in the pivots as we could possibly be (can't do anything about Sinfield not being available) and the potential starting forwards and replacements look good enough even with two key guys missing.

Not sure that is quite right. There is a difference to resting and what I personally feel here. If Sinfield was playing I wouldn't have no such worry with resting Peacock and Ablet, but he isn't. Can't understand why if you are missing your left centre injured, you would create more of change by resting the winger also. Then when in line with resting your right centre also, it all seems to much.



It isn't the resting that is the issue, it's the areas and the lack of leaders left.



Come through it, great result, and the coach can take the credit for winning whilst ensuring a fully fit squad week after.



Me personally, have I have always said, would rather win this week than the week after though.

Well...that's an interesting 19.

I feel similar. Its not that I disagree with resting people, its a good thing, especially people with niggles and against a poor team with a semi lined up.



However, I agree that taking 3 of your backline adds massive disruption.



Added to that the absence of 5 go to people in Sinfield, Watkins, Hall, Peacock and Ablett and it seems very risky. I hope the deputies will prove themselves able. If not, I don't mind really, as the league ladder is largely irrelevant on who wins the GF. I also hope that the week off does enough good for us to beat Wire next week, in what is our biggest game of the season.