So this weekend sees us up against the new boys Toulouse. I think this will be much closer than the previous match against them where we won 98-6



With the arrivals of Lee Smith and possibly Phoenix this week we look a bit stronger. Hopefully Lilley should be back from his knock last week but Hallas will be out. Lumb should also be back too following a slight knock against Rochdale.

Thomas had a great game and for that I'd be tempted to stick with him, even though I want Campbell there. Moore dictated the ruck and the pack at the weekend for me and we will need him to do the same against this strong pack of Toulouse's. Their outside backs in Minga and Kheirallah need closing down otherwise I think they will rip us apart, as I think we are weak defensively out wide.

Team for me has to be:

14. Oscar Thomas
2. Ethan Ryan
4. Ross Oakes
0. Lee Smith
5. Iliess Macani
6. Leon Pryce
28. Jordan Lilley
8. Liam Kirk
34. Scott Moore
15. Jon Magrin
16. Kevin Larroyer
11. Colton Roche
20. James Bentley


9. Joe Lumb
17. Ross Peltier
31. Mikolaj Oledzki
32. Johnny Walker

If the conditions aren't great I'd go with this team. A recall for Peltier and I feel he offers a lot of go forward. Jordan-Roberts to miss out as I feel he doesn't really offer much other than being a body. Walker has experience although lacking fitness. However I'd play him. If conditions are good and he is here I would play Phoenix off the bench instead of Lumb.

Interesting that we could potentially have selection dilemma's in Week 4!!

Playing Lee Smith depends a lot on fitness. Might be a bit soon.

I’d keep Keyes in the 17. Moore said he’s familiar with Keyes having played with him before so that counts for a lot. I’d go with the following:

Thomas
Macani
Mendeika (unless Smith has been smashing it at training)
Oakes
Ryan
Pryce
Lilley
Peltier (need more size in the pack early on so if fit Ross is in)
Moore
Magrin
Larroyer
Roche
Bentley

Keyes
Walker
Oledzki
Kirk

Actually thought Jordan-Roberts showed up well against Swinton. Some decent carries. Definetly like to see Peltier in there. Be a tough old game this.

Don't read too much into Toulouse losing to Sheffield as to what they will be like on the road. There were a few factors to take into account for that result. A couple of Leigh players playing for Sheffield. The awful weather. It was the second game too on Wakeys pitch and it looked a mud bath.

I hope we edge it..
I'm saying us by 6 or 4..

you can also factor in that we are supposed to have made another signing, which I think will be announced late in the week to allow Toulouse less time to prepare.

Think Toulouse are a dry weather/firm pitch type of side (like us).

Well we certainly look a lot bigger in the forwards now. Could line up like below.

Thomas
Macani
Mendieka
Oakes
Ryan
Pryce
Keyes
Peltier
Moore
Margrin
Larroyer
Bentley
Roche

Walker
Murray
Oldeski
Jordan-Roberts/Kirk/Lilley/Lumb

Everyone happy with Pryce's contributions so far then? I know he's old and the heavy pitches won't be helping, but he's been a complete passenger so far this season imo.
I'd try Lilley and Keyes in the halves while they are both still at the club.

Thomas
Macani/Caro (if fit)
Mendeika/Smith
Oakes
Ryan
Keyes
Lilley
Peltier
Moore
Magrin
Roche
Larroyer
Bentley

Murray
Oledski
Kirk
Walker/Lumb (if fit)

Pryce seems to have a calming influence even if he's walking on knackered knees.

Don't underestimate Pryce's contributions on the field. Yes he hasn't be a huge influence in attack in terms of breaking down teams. But as stated he's 35. What he does bring is a lot of talk on the field. That is invaluable for the lads. Especially considering our only other leader is on a 4 game trial and has played 1 game for us.

For me he is the glue this season. Without him we have no team, no club and no hope. Because of his contributions the lads believe and rally around him.

I'd change Walker for this new Murray bloke. Murray is likely to be a lot fitter than Walker due to actually having a pre-season. Plus he'll be looking to rip in and show what he's got being his first game.

Good point.

I know walker played last week but i didn't really notice, id echo the above give the new guy a go hopefully he wants to prove a point, hopefully Peltier is included, i hope we are better suited to the mud and mess than Toulouse the weather will play a huge factor.

Out wide we struggled in defence, Ryan was class but Oakes im not sure about, same for Mendeika, but as Smith and the rest are injured or not match ready not a not we can do, need to show up well on the wings especially is Minga the winger is playing did look a handfull vs Dewsbury even if they where pants.

Our sliding defence needs to work also was slow or not all moved together, we also need to cut out the penalties that's what nearly cost us, apart from that we will be fine.

Opposing loose forwards Bentley v Bentley!

This is gonna be a proper battle and the lads need to win it to keep their confidence up.
If we win this it will send out a clear message to the other teams that we're on our way back

Likely because I don't believe he played much. Went off with a back injury I believe.

After giving 2/3 penalties away

We should beat them easily. Don't they all have little legs?

Well, it seems that the game on Sunday is ours to lose.....

I'll get me coat

I'd like to see a Murray/Walker front row......come onto the pitch to 'The Chain'.....quick warm up lap of the speedway track...."And. They're. Away..."

But I am pessimistic for the weekend. I've whined on for years about players thinking the Bulls badge does 80% of the work in getting a victory so am, unfairly, expecting the same to happen now we have a win under our belt. I know I shouldn't but I can't help it.

Toulouse or not Toulouse that is the question...

On Sunday even when we play to win, we play Toulouse....

Can you get a bet on toulouse to win or only on toulouse to lose?

While this thread is currently going on a tangent can anybody explain why I am suddenly getting icons for facebook,twitter,email on the left side of my screen when posting on the forum? (Don't look for the joke, its a serious question)

And is a bit of a trek

Looks like Lee Smith is playing Sunday