Based on what? Kirke and Bailey, Lunt, and Ward can all cover the BR, and all to a better standard than Clarkson at this stage. Clarkson should be loaned out because he's gone backwards and needs to be playing at a higher level than the U20s.

No not really surprised, and am glad as I think the other players offer more, I wasn't sure whether McDermott would have been tempted to have him in the squad though. But I think it's the right decision. Webb has been a legend for Leeds IMO, but with Hardaker doing so well at fb it's time up for Webb. I hope he gets a run out v Salford though.

I agree that this is going to be the likely line up.
My only concern is Keinhorst and is he ready to play in such a big (televised) game.
There is no doubt he has played well on the few times he has been used and I hope he plays and has a blinder.
But it is between him and Moore for me as Clarkson has not done enough to justify selection this time.

I'd go with this, play the players in their preferred positions.

1. BJB
2. Keinhorst
3. Watkins
4. Hardaker
5. Hall
6. Ward
7. Burrow
8. Bailey
9. Lunt
10. Griffin
11. Peacock
12. JJB
13. Sinfield

14. Delaney
15. Leuluai
16. Ablett
17. Kirke

You've moved Hardaker who's been bloody brilliant at FB?
Delaney on the bench?
Keinhorst to START?

I really can't see any reason to move Hardaker from full back or BJB from the wing. They both look pretty comfortable where they are. I could be wrong, but I think Keinhorst is a centre, not a winger. Moving Ablett from centre to bench is also a bit of a strange idea.

On the understanding that the props can start and be on the bench in whatever order they like as far as I am concerned.

Hardaker
BJB
Watkins
Ablett
Hall

Sinfield
Burrow

Leuluai
Lunt
Peacock
Delaney
JJB
Bailey

Ward
Kirke
Griffin
Moore

No slight intended to Ward in having him on the bench. We need a more muscular approach to deal with the opening exchanges, and we also need a player who can add something different coming off the bench.

Prob one for t-voc to clarify, but I can't ever remember Delaney playing from the bench in Leeds colours.

Can't see it starting now. Delaney will start.

Next.

In that case would you be better with Ward starting at SH and Burrow on the bench?

That's correct.

Brett Delaney has made 84 appearances for Leeds and none of those were from the bench.

Are you on drugs???

Just to add further grist to the McGuire rumour mill, when Nicola Adams came down to Kirkstall he was out on the field in full training kit...

Don't think its McDermott's style to try and be sly and have McGuire lined up to play secretly. He has always seemed a very honest and straight forward bloke and I don't think pulling tricks is in him, so from the moment he said McGuire was out i was certain it was true.

My prediction of both teams line ups on Saturday

Hodgson........Hardaker
Riley.............BJB
Atkins...........Watkins
Ratchford......Ablett
Monnaghan....Hall
Briers............Sinfield
Myler............Ward
Hill...............Leuluai
Higham.........Burrow
Morley..........Peacock
Waterhouse...JJB
Westwood.....Delaney
Harrison........Bailey

Carvell..........Griffin
Monnaghan....Lunt
Wood...........Kirke
Grix..............Moore

Winners: Leeds
Lance Todd: Stevie Ward
First try: Westwood
Attendance: 71236

And a support on his leg

Correct.

Delaney has 84 appearances all in the starting line-up.

And he was arguably Leeds' best at Wembley last year.

Chucked a bit on at 25/1 for Stevie - good odds.

I doubt you'd have McGuire in front of the press if you were planning a surprise appearance from him.

are you allowed to change the named squad? ive also heard a few rumours that mcguire will play but obviously he is not named in the squad.

I believe you are but only if it is deemed to be an improvement to the team... For example we can't name the first team for a game, get people through the gates and then put out the u18's instead. Might be wrong on that tho....

Irellevant tho as McGuire is injured and is not playing.

I can't see Keinhorst getting picked unless one of the other backs isn't fit. A centre on the bench with just 3 sub appearances would be a massive gamble. As it is, with Delaney and Ward in the squad and the ability of others to switch around, I just don't see the need for a threequarter on the bench.

I wouldn't start with Ward. Lunt should be at hooker & bring on Stevie to run at the tired Warrington pack later in the game.

So is Webb done at Leeds now?

Indeed.....then start Keinhorst at LC and put Ablett on the bench. The issue then does not exist, does it ?



Ablett instead becomes the extra useful bench forward ....who is also the best stand-in centre the club has.

Either way the room for Keinhorst in the starting 17 is still valid IMO ( IF McGuire is not fit )