I think we did well against Hull KR but work is needed in defence, especially on Lee smiths side as i think he was quite poor. He will more than likely stay playing though. also, thought Burrow didnt have the same effect starting at hooker than he does coming from the bench. Jamie Jones-Buchanan looked fine after the game. Id go:

Webb;
Smith, Watkins, Hardaker, Hall;
Sinfield, McGuire;
Bailey, McShane, Peacock;
Jones-Buchanan, Ablett;
Clarkson / Hauraki.

Burrow, Delaney, Leuluai, Griffin

Moore, Hauraki.

How many flags are we up against this week?

Smith didn't do so good....BJB deserves his chance to make his customary skinning of Pat on the outside.

I think Moore might get a run out maybe instead of JP.
Controversial yes I know but it might happen.

Smith was to blame for one try and one try only. He didn't set any fires, but he wasn't bad. BJB has looked a joke in each of his preseason games. If you think Smith was weak on Friday, then god help us if BJB had been there in his present form.

50+ all around the stadium, stadium car parks, pubs every where in Wigan town centre has one of the "famous" Wigan flags.

The big question is when will the Wigan Walk commence this weekend...

Webb
Smith
Watkins
Hardaker
Hall
Mcguire
Burrow
Bailey
Mcshane
Peacock
Jjb/Clarkson
Ablett
Sinfield

Hauraki
Delaney
Moore
Griffin

For me although Kylie did well i doubt how long he could last should we pick up a knock and on pre-season form Moore deserves the shirt imo.
Also re-Mcshane he needs to be given games and plenty of time to have at least a chance to establish himself as the new 9 imo and RB should revert back to 7.

I agree with ALL of this.....(just feel a little sorry for BJB - hopefully his time will still come ....maybe if Webb continues to chuck out one too many forward passes

)

Leuluai produced 122 metres at an average of just over 10 a carry and was credited with a try assist on the McGuire score.

While he's no Kirke that's hardly dropping form either.

I didn't think Smith looked too bad. It was often because Watkins went AWOL in the defensive line that caused us problems. But that's something that can be fixed. His hatrick was testimony to his skill.

I'd go:

Webb;
Smith, Watkins, Hardaker, Hall;
Sinfield, McGuire;
Bailey, McShane, Peacock;
Jones-Buchanan, Ablett;
Clarkson

Burrow, Delaney, Leuluai, Griffin/Moore

Griffin/Moore, Hauraki

I'm not sure if Peacock and Bailey need splitting up to keep the defence steady when the other is off the field.

Wasn't Smiths fault and wasn't Watkins fault, apart from first try with Smith. Did you see Watkins try saving tackle in second half, suberb.

Watkins was defending two in from the centre position. The problem down that right side was Danny and Sinfield. Poor option for me having both defending in same channells, and it was found out.

Same team as Friday only changing McShane and Burrow. A bench of Kylie, Griffin, Burrow, and Hauraki could really make an impact. Might see Clarkson and Moore getting run-outs if JJB is carry a knock/he wants to rest any of the forwards.

We could also see the return of a certain Mr Kirke according to McDermott on the Rhinos site:
Head Coach Brian McDermott said, "Jamie is working hard with our Head Physio Andy Barker and we are doing everything possible to make sure he is back to full fitness for the weekend. At this stage he is touch and go but we will monitor how he progresses during the course of the week."

McDermott also confirmed that Ian Kirke should be available for selection this week after missing last Friday's game with a knee injury.

Yes but how many tackles did he make?

Drop McShane for me - he was dreadful on friday night (and rightly so, got taken off).

Keep burrow at hooker as he offers more, and then we can put another forward on the bench. We'll need it against the Pies.

Moore or Kirke in for McShane

Although if we have a real hooker on the pitch we wouldn't need an extra forward on the bench.

McShane looked better last year when he had a decent run. I'd start him against Wigan and either play Burrow at 7, or bench. Burrow is a great tackler out in his usual defensive position, I don't know where he defended against KR, but hooker usually defends tight around the ruck area and takes a lot of punishment. Not the best for Rob.

If those doubting Watkins defence for the HKR tries watch the highlihts on the website they'll see he wasn't at fault at all.
The 2 Horne ones were firstly Sinfield(1st marker) and Smith whilst Hornes 2nd again was Smith(1st marker0 and Sinfield with Delaney.
The Welham try he went between Sinfield and Smith and like i posted eslewhere i don't think Hodgson got the ball down legally for his try but it was in the corner where Smith defends but in faiirness to him the right edge failed to slide quickly enough as a unit.

Quote ="Juan Cornetto"Yes but how many tackles did he make?'" For one week only - www.engagesuperleague.co.uk/stat ... 2011&hp2=6 Quote ="DHM"I don't know where he defended against KR, but hooker usually defends tight around the ruck area and takes a lot of punishment. Not the best for Rob.'" Burrow defended wide on the left as per usual.

Quote ="Juan Cornetto"Yes but how many tackles did he make?'" For one week only - www.engagesuperleague.co.uk/stat ... 2011&hp2=6 Quote ="DHM"I don't know where he defended against KR, but hooker usually defends tight around the ruck area and takes a lot of punishment. Not the best for Rob.'" Burrow defended wide on the left as per usual.

TVOC I see what yer saying re-kylie i actually thought Moore was unlucky not to get the bench spot before him for the HKR match.
Also if the Coach's statement pre-season with regards to rotation is gonna be followed up (although granted early) then Moore should come in and replace Kylie imo.

Cheers. How did we fill the hole in midfield? Given the number of tackles that Buderus or Diskin would make (notice I mentioned to avoid the usual).

I agree McShane was dreadful, droping him is not a serious option, as Burrows won't last a full 80 at hooker.

Liam Farrell has been called to the panel for a grade B challenge, and could get 1-2 match ban. He also received a warning for a different tackle.

Good stats but they don't tell the whole story. It seemed to me that both Leuluai and Hauraki ran really strong at the start of their stints. After a sustained period of struggle against HKR's pack,the whole team seemed to lift a little when they came on.

He is a pie, so he will not receive a suspension.

I'd add Griffin to that list aswell, he really impressed me with his go forward.