I don't see Hull's pack wilting on the day. We look extremely fit and well conditioned. if anything, I think a hot day will suit us well. We'll have 4 forwards on the bench as Houghton will do the 80 so plenty of rotation to keep them fresh. I think tackling our forwards for 80 minutes on a hot day will be a challenge

Well you've convinced me, and I assume Tony Smith so we're not going to bother sending a team out, the trophy is yours.

Probably the only way we'll ever win at wembley

Whaaaat?
Don't be silly now. Dwyer had took a few games by the scruff and won't it for us.

Despite Dwyer's diminutive stature, he generally does ok. Granted, he won't be an aggressive defender against a pack your size, but he'll cling on to something and give it his all. It's his attack that could help us, the tempo he brings is a massive boost, and he finds a way to get between defenders.

I do expect him to play, but it may be for shorter periods. Clark is the main man, whenever we need something special, he is in the frame

Daryl is class absolute class. He is my choice for Man of Steel

Your pack hasn't been tested for the last two weeks. I'd be worried about that if I was a Hull supporter. And do you think tackling our forwards wont be a challenge? It'll be a tough test but the two game you've played us in so far have each been won by 2 points. you've hardly blown us off the park. fact of the matter is all the pressure is on Hull going into this game, the question is do they have the stones to win it when it counts?

Also, don't be too surprised if Dodds gets a place if Westerman isn't fit. Or even if he is fit to be honest.

You heard it here first.

I'm not worried at all. Although the games looked relatively easy in reality they were games against 2 of the top 8 so still a more than decent work out but we dominated both so they were good indicators for me. I've not suggested we'll blow you off the park but was responding to someone who claims you'll tire our forwards out on the day which I don't see happening. As for pressure, I'm sure we'll cope although as the bookie's favourites I think there's a fair amount on your team too.

I expect us to lose as it's at wembley but I don;t think there's much between the sides and it will likely only be won by less than 2 scores on the day IMO

Well actually we haven't heard anything, so if you know something more than we do please share that.

Surely not?

As much as I'd love to see this happen I don't believe that for a second. Smith said a couple of weeks ago in the WG that Wembley was to soon as he wasn't even running "at full pelt" yet.

Do you know something everyone else doesn't?

I'm not saying its nailed on by any means and I doubt he'll feature (I'd be concerned if he was). I just wouldn't be surprised if he gets the nod.

Jake. Sorry, I know Hull will be no pushover at all and I am not optimistic at all. I was suggesting that we will have to put an incredible effort in to stand a chance. The 2 games I have seen between us were close. We had phases where we looked like we were getting on top in the middle only for a few dropped balls and penalties gave you a breather and Hull came back stronger. Warrington went through a spell of say 7-8 mins where Hull looked a bit tired but one error meant that the pressure was removed. We need to sustain that for much longer but that would be the same against any decent team. My worry is that we have not done that since about April.

I think maybe an ideal start for Dodds would be one of the dead rubbers after Wembley ,either Catalans or Widnes. Failing that ,i can't see him featuring at all this season.

There are no dead rubbers after Wembley. Every game is a must win to secure finishing top. TS has said that whilst they are in contention we are aiming for all 3. We need to get out of this attitude that games don't matter. All games matter.

They are dead rubbers for the teams he pointed out....
Anyways.....more chance of Ken Dodd than Mitch!

And that is what bothers me,if he is not going to figure again this season why did we not just let him go,pretty sure he said he only wanted one season over here and we have not heard of any extension.

I don't want to belittle Hull's two results in the run up to Wembley - a wins a win. But whilst Widnes and Catalan may well be current top eight sides, neither are playing with top eight form. Widnes had lost 13 and won only 4 since we beat them in Round 7, and Catalan had 1 win (against Widnes) in their last 7 before having their tummies tickled at your place. Take away their impressive starts to the season and both teams would probably be fighting it out in the qualifiers .

I just hope that by the final hooter on Saturday the better team has won rather than being due to a refereeing decision, lucky bounce of the ball or injury (unless of course we win due to a referee decision or lucky bounce - I'd take that

)

Ideally id like our team to look like this:

Ratch

Penny
Evans
Atkins
Russell

Gids
Sandow

Hill
Clark
Sims
Currie
Hughes
Westerman

Dwyer
Westwood
Bailey
G. King

18th man - Cox/Dodds (If fit)

Yep and that's mine as well

Not ideal to change now and Toby was more comfortable against Cas than he was previously.
Probably had some nerves in the first couple, trying desperately not to make errors and trying too hard to impress.

The only change for me if enforced is Ratchford to loose, Penny on wing, Russell FB.

As you point out, if it is imperative to finish top there are no dead rubbers ,but at least, as it stands, we are guaranteed top 4. If finishing top is the goal then i doubt Dodds will play again for the Wire this season.

Does anyone know when the team will be announced? In a "normal" match it would be 2.00 pm Thursday.

Never in a month of Sundays would Ratchford be put at loose. Westwood would start and play as a 3rd prop just like we always used to. Or alternately Currie go into 13 and westwood at 2nd row. Currie has a pair of hands on him like Westerman does so could make a better fit. The problem is I doubt Westwood could put in an effective 80 minutes in the back row like Currie, Hughes and Westerman can. He's an impact prop off the bench now. Sneyd would have a field day with Russell at full back. His positioning is woeful, couple that with the fact he cant catch or pass. you may as well give them the cup now.