I'd have thought that its quite possible that the first week could well be the toughest against all the Championship sides, as they'll all be up for it. It is like a cup game so they'll go all out. After a couple of games (or based on last year just one for some teams - I'm looking at you Leigh) the effort of playing tougher games every week will tell.

I wouldn't be surprised at a very close game. Back in the day Fev used to beat us quite a lot - often when form said they shouldn't IIRC.

It's all about speed and precision, like an experienced assassin leeds need to kill this game and the middle 8's dead quickly. No fuss, get off to a ruthless start at 100mph. Because if they dilly dally eith mistakes and penalties fev will grow in confidence and it will become a titanic tussle. The same goes for the middle 8's as a whole.

Charlie,

Potentially anything could happen, as you know I'd written us off ages ago. A win against Leeds would be awesome, but not our cup final.

Agreed, we need to be in a guaranteed SL position before Leigh do us in the final round.

Moon, McGuire and Delaney added to the 17 which played at Hull KR, Lilley misses out altogether.

Presumably Achurch and Golding miss out, with Keinhorst dropping to the bench and Delaney starting there.

I think Lilley is injured or at least looked like he had aggrievated his shoulder against HKR.
But if McGuire is fit I doubt Lilley would get into the 17 anyway.
The coaches choice not mine.

So now Lilley, Handley and Mullally could be named in the Featherstone 19 and not be available for us again this season.

This.

Depressingly so infact.

The players can talk the talk, making the right noises about how difficult it will be and how much they respect these teams. But talking, and actually being in that mental space where they can go out there and perform like it's a playoff series for the grand final are 2 completely different things. But that's what they are going to need to do if they want to blow this thing out of the water before it's squeaky bum time.

That's why Featherstone away is the perfect first game for us, if any of our players are under the delusion that the Championship teams are just going to roll over Featherstone will quickly knock some sense into them. And quite honestly if any player goes into the middle eights half d with their job on the line we should be looking at moving them on.

They haven't been though and won't be for any of Fev's other games.

Baldwinson, L.Briscoe and Walters all named in Fev's 19.

I don't think they will at all. After the Middle 8's were confirmed with the defeat against Widnes the players could've gone through the motions the last three games and save themselves for the Middle 8's and take whatever fixtures came their way....but despite a tough schedule they rolled their sleeves up the last three games and got themselves up to 9th and that extra home game.

My one concern if we get off to two wins from two is that when we go to London in week 3 we might have half an eye on Salford at Headingley the following week. But this first game with a week off to prepare.....not an issue IMO.

Wouldn't be surprised if Achurch is ahead of Keinhorst (if Moon plays at centre). Keinhorst more deserving but when I think about it, probably Achurch might be a better fit for this particular game as he can offer more in attack and against a part time team I can see him having some joy. He usually played well against the lower sides in SL, it's when we play the better teams he disappoints.

Essentially a flat track bully.

Think she should go Keinhorst, definitely more deserving and also gives is scope to reshuffle if Mags isn't fully fit.

Keinhorst has a knack of scoring important tries and gets in good positions, in fact only Watkins has scored more. He also has a great attitude, sound defense and good energy so he deserves the nod.

For those fans who like to read books about Rugby League, the Featherstone club shop is well worth a visit before kick off on Saturday. They stock a decent range of player biographies, rugby league novels and historical stuff there.

Think last time I went to Fev was around 2000. Anyone remember the wing supreme Paul Bell?

Heard good things about the Pub "Last Orders" - VERY cheap & cheerful.
No Real Ale though

Yes it used to be the Railway Pub for those who may have visited in the past.

I'll be in the Last Orders from 11:30. Very cheap you say?

Cheapest in Fev!

Sounds like the perfect bladderation station.

The try at Hull KR was indicative of what Keinhorst can do given the opportunity. For some reason McDermott seems to prefer Achurch, who hasn't even looked like doing that once in his entire Leeds career. Probably the most disappointing overseas signing since Brett Mullins. At least the likes of Ben Cross came and gave it a go, even if they were rubbish.

Your forgetting Joe Vickery, the rarity of a player with no ability AND no heart

At least he knew his way to the white line...