Certainly agree with that - I'd assumed that if on the bench he would come on in the centres anyway with Platt covering the backs as needed.

got the distinct impression that nero could have played last week if needed and we decided to give him the extra weeks recovery rather than risk him in a match we werent realistically expecting to win. As such don't think we need to wrap him in cotton wool too much.

Just t be clear, this is not meant as a mindless anti-Platt post, but I don't like him at centre. It's not a position that you can just walk into, particularly from FB which is a position that spends less time than any other working in a defensive line and I think he has been found wanting pretty consistently when opposition runs at him. He was OK v Saints but that was probably as much to do with who he was up against - with Gidley out they didn't look to target his side that much.

Id like to see Menzies/Sykes (possibly rotating between there and SO) and Nero there at the moment. Deacs to come back on the bench.

to be fair it was only platts second start at and he looked much improved from wire game. I'd much rather retain sykes/jeffries combo and use menzies/platt/nero as the in rotation. no place on bench for deacon as rinaldi gives us cover for the halves already. better use of bench spot would be an extra 2nd row alongside the two props who'll be there anyway. Our pack is our strongest asset this year and we should make maximum use of it. We've got a functonal backline now and bar injuries we shouldnt be tinkering every week.

should be a good game.