I know its early in the season - but how confident are we about this year's team minus Gidley ?

He certainly seems to have added some organisation on the field, and puts in a decent defensive shift too. Let's hope someone steps up (if needed) and that we perform well without him.

We'll probably line up like this

O'brien Carney Griffin Sau Johnson Lui Dobson Kopzcak Lee Griffin Masila Jones Flanagan

Tomkins Walne Krasniqi Lannon/ Evalds

From what I've seen if Gidley does play then, in my opinion, the best two halfback pairings so far this season go up against each other.

My hope is that someone does step up, particularly if the absence can be planned for pre game in comparison to the disruption of him leaving the field early mid match.

We did lose that organisation against Wakefield, we could do with him on Thursday it's a tough game IMO

If Gidley really is on gardening leave this week it will be a pity, because the Salford match will surely be the first indicator of whether we have the makings of a competitive side this year. It didn't look good when he left the field against Wakey though did it ? - which perhaps is a good reason for having another look at Patton.

I think I would bring in Ratchford to share a bench spot with Atkins. We need him back to match fitness asap but I am not sure he could complete 80 minutes in what will be a pretty physical game. Then bring in Dodds for King, again starting from the bench. Finally pair up Patton with Sandow. If he is having a shocker, Ratch could move there.

That sounds like a good option and Patton has been playing well and deserves a chance to start. Ratchford on the bench to use as and when. Clark and Dwyer can be used later together to spell Westerman with Clark at 13 as we did when Mickey Higham was here.