Ablett's a shocking centre.

He's not a centre full stop. But I think there's a chance he'll get played there on Friday. I hope not because he's impressed in the back row. If he isn't at centre its Gibson for me. Thats if Lee Smith aint back

Smith has very little chance of playing.

Buderus hasn't been ruled out and Bailey has a strong chance of playing.

[urlhttp://therhinos.co.uk/news/1038.php[/url

I'd play Wakins at centre to be honest. I feel we need as much pace and strike power in the backs as possible.

Gibson for me. I feel we need to be solid across the board. Gibson's extra experience and solidness will pay off in this fixture.

Good call. Where would you play him on Sunday though?

Hmmmmm........I would have to say in the back row. Maybe off the bench! I certainly think he was looking more than promising there. And he's always said its where he wants to play (Not that thats relevent.)

Does go to show though although our off season recruitment has been poor we're looking okay. If we play (as I think we will if Ablett aint at centre) with forwards of Kylie, Diskin, JP, JJB, Ablett,Sinfield and with a bench of Kirke, Burgess Bailey Ali (or there abouts) thats encouraging that we can get a team like that out and With the likes of Smith and Buderus (who are certain in our 17 when fit for me) unfit. If Smith and Buderus return and everyone else is fit its likely 2 of the forwards will not get game time. Burgess, Ali, Bailey, Kirke, Ablett who would you pick? They all seem to be playing well to me?It will be interesting to see if Ablett is at centre I think Gibbo/Watkins will be on the bench. If he aint then I think we may have 4 forwards on the bench come Sunday. Ablett is an out and out forward for me tho, although the boy deserves credit for getting his head down and playing as best he can in the centre position.

Mason has signed for one of our teams? when?

Keith's not that scary

Mason?! Pah.

He's get owned far too much.

I agree. We don't necessarily need to be that flash on both flanks this week. We have match winners all over the place. I think that the team who make fewer mistakes will win, so for this one I think Gibson is better suited, plus he started the last game at centre

But he trains the house down

The 2 teams are so close its crazy in all stats, defence, attack so its more than likely going to be close.

Discipline and territory will be very important this week so I don't see it kicking off even with Bailey on the field.

I am slowly beginning to fancy us for this though, although due to home advantage Leeds must be favourites.

Wow, I got more than I bargained for there. Perhaps next time I'll just say the game's on Sunday and not Friday instead to save time.





The Leeds pack when all are available, in form and fresh are a match for any team out there. The difficulty arises when injuries bite and/or the forwards become fatigued. We're only a quarter into the season so it'll be a while before it becomes clear if Leeds will get away with the squad as it stands.

I think you’ve got a point here, discipline will be not only be a major factor but I think he teams are that close it’ll be the deciding factor.

No he isn't...

Leeds have had two games under Bentham this season (away at Hull KR and away at St Helens) with a penalty count of 11 for and 22 against.

Leeds will need some of his 'Homer' calls on Sunday.

Believe, we used to have a good record in the cup when the year ended in '8, this is now going to change to years ending in '9!

This will be tight - the team the conceeds the most penalties will very likely lose - discipline is key - Saints haven't lost a cc game for years surely the odds are against them or is that just wishful thinking

It's just like i said before the grand final last year when saint's were 20 odd match's unbeaten.
The longer you go undefeated the closer you are to your next defeat!

And after many years Wigan lost to Salford, not one ot the big teams.

The odds are therefore that Saints won't lose to Leeds.

Leon Pryce has certainly finished his game of hide and seek, hes been in great form the last few weeks, he could be the difference.

But one way or another, for how long?

Agreed, as much as it pains me to say so but thought he ran us ragged at KR the other week.

Need to make sure we keep him wrapped up and control the game at our pace and we'll come out good.

Job for Bailey early on. A nice solid legal hit. Should put him and Graham off their games.