Yes can see what you guys are saying.
Can`t help thinking that Tony Smith is keeping his squad fresh by rotating his squad.
We on the other hand stick with what we have got for maybe too many months now.
But then again if we go on to win the CCF I would take that.
Might even rest JP and play Moore.
Has McShane been cleared to play on Fiday?

No - a one match ban.

I'd have been stunned if BM did anything except pick as close to the CC Final starting side as possible in the remaining games beforehand.

Surely the conditioners at Leeds know if and when a player needs resting, most of the squad have missed games here and there can only think of hall hardaker sinfield who have played every game

Pity McShane`s not playing Friday.
Would have been good to see him play Lunt off the park


Whatever the conditioners think I would certainly rest JP even though he is going to play at Wembley.
It wont do him any harm.

completley agree with this.And Kylie aswell.

perfect opporunity for the 2 vets to stick their feet up with the big period to come.

Know it wont happen though.

Looking at the Leeds squad and Widnes it should be a convincing win.Widnes have a poor squad when have several injuries.

What's the point? We won't win it.

Your words.............

And I still don't think they will. I'd be disappointed if the coaching and playing staff shared that view.

The game against Wigan will have a big bearing on Wembley. Saints made Warrington look like world beaters can't see Wigan being such an easy touch. If Warrington do beat Wigan their confidence will be sky high and that could be bad news for us. I think we will win at Wembley - no logic to it just a gut feeling.

Couldnt make the game tonight due to work,sounds like Widnes just turned up, rolled over and got their tummys tickled and a routine victory for us.

anything to take from the game apart from the win?

Not much. Widnes had a spell in the 2nd half when they gave it a real go. It was all a bit carefree from them, and you got the impression that when we managed to keep hold of possession again we'd pull away. Like you say, pretty much a routine win not requiring us to get out of 2nd gear.

Agree about the 'carefree' stuff. For 10 minutes they played error-free touch and pass and gave us a real run-around.
The most pertinent lesson for me is that if Leeds defend as sloppily as they did for three of Widnes' tries Wire will have a field day.
Having said that some of the rugby Leeds played would have been tricky to pull off even in practice. Sinfield ran some sublime lines to put players through gaps and seemed to revel in the spaces that perhaps Burrow might have filled.

Kylie was awesome tonight. Can't understand how he didn't get MOM

Bless, you arrogant 'part time' supporter.

Best ive seen Ian Kirke play for a while!! he was running it in and knocking people over and had a good offload. Might have to go to specsavers!!

Expected with 10 first teamers out injured.Just shows Widnes need to buy quality in reserve, or produce a better u20s.

Only the most blinkered of Kirke-bashers would have much to criticise him for over the last few weeks.
Having said that, tonight was a particularly good night for running in and knocking people over.
Our starting props, Griffin and Leuluai seemed to revel in it.

McDermott has a quandry if JJB, JP and Burrow are to come back in who is going to miss out Moore, Kleinhorst and Clarkson?

I thought Griffin revelled in the role of pack leader.

I would imagine the team will be the 17 from the semi final

Keinhorst looks a prospect but to play in final would be a big call.
Moore is 6th choice behind peacock griffin kylie griffin bailey
Clarkson is a good player but hasn't played enough this season

Barring injuries hopefully McGuire is available

...otherwise we might see the return of Webb ... Aaarrgghh

If he is selected ( he will be ) then I hope it's a direct change at HB, rather than all that nonsense against Wakey.

And your view now after they demolished Wigan?



My feeling is that Leeds will have to be at their best and hope Warrington have a bit of an off day much the same as I felt going into the semi-final. That's the beauty of sport, it's all on the day and will be again at Wembley. Despite Leeds deservedly going in as firm underdogs there's still the chance it could be their year for the Challenge Cup.

The same Under 20s that held the much heralded Leeds youth system - including two of its returning dual-reg players to a draw you mean?

Not much wrong with their Under 20s on that evidence?