Smith has a massive (but great) problem on his hands do you change our backline to bring in Bridge who Smith said himself was the best centre in the league before he had to go under the knife.

Right now its

Mathers


Hicks King Atkins Riley


Its awesome as it is but that leaves Bridge out for maybe an impact role off the bench? or do you play him in halves and give Myler the bench spot?

It's a great problem to have. I wouldn't play Bridge in the halves though, he is much more effective at centre as shown before he picked up his injuiry, as you say though it's who you take out: Hicks - Brilliant all season, consistent again, great performance and hatrick at Wembley, 20 odd tries this season. King: Again fantastic, will be in the Dream Team at the end of the season mark my words. Atkins: What a first season this lad has had, I had my doubts, but his try and assists stats speak for themselves, has got to be starting in the England team in Novemeber Down Under. Riley: The lad has come on leaps and bounds, second in the try scoring charts is he? Twenty odd tries all season for a lad of 21, 22?

Who'd be a coach?

you can't drop anybody at the moment..why would you?..Bridge will have to wait for his opportunity.

IMO CB will play in London on Friday..as will Myler....squad rotation after the final..and celebrations.

We can't keep up the luck with the injuries so don't think he'll have the problem when it comes down to it, but as our first play off game will be versus St Helens, I'd go for....

Mathers
Hicks King Atkins Riley
Briers Myler
Morley Monaghan Carvell
Louis Westwood
Harrison

Bridge Wood Solomona Clarke

Doesn't mean he won't though you only have to go back to Thursday and the outrage on here over Myler to see the Smith will make the call no matter how tough it is on the player(s) in question

^^

I would go with that just got this feeling he might go with the combo of Bridge and Atkins though.

Impossible to predict what he'll do, but I'd guess....

Certainties are Hicks, King (centre or wing), Atkins, Briers, Morley, Monaghan (sh or hooker), Louis, Westwood.

Near certainties are Carvell, Harrison.

Bench certainties are Wood, Solomona.

The rest is up for grabs - even Riley.....

I'd agree with that team you have posted, TANCW. Probably our strongest line up and that is some bench.

Knowing Smith's unpredicability, will he take the opportunity to rest a few/ try out a few different combinations. The worst that could happen is that we play away at KR, but that could happen even if we put out our strongest team on Friday. Just a thought, but this is probably the last chance he will have to ensure everyone is fit/fresh for the playoffs.

This Friday's team could be anything - doesn't matter. The following weekend we have to go for a win for so many reasons. Week off, hoodoo, no risk of extra sudden death match....

Do you think he will break up the backline on Friday? Or will he keep the same five? Look what happened at Catalans. Consistency and momentum are important

No idea. I'd be astounded if all five played, though. Consistency and momentum are important; winning in weeks 1 and 3 of the play offs is more important.

A poster on the Quins Away thread says that he has it on good authority that Rhys Evans will play on Friday, I personally hope he does.

Maybe Atkins and Riley will both get a rest since they have not missed a game all season. So a possible back line of:

Mathers Hicks Bridge Evans King

What a great problem to have. Not who CAN we play, but who DO we play. I trust Smith will get it right a fe of his decisions I have been doubtfull about but he as always been proved correct. So I think I wil trust in mr Smith

Think bridge will play against quins on friday. Only if it's just to give him some game time before the playoffs.

IMO if everyone is match fit then the back five has to be:-

Mathers Hicks Bridge Atkins King

When fit Bridge and Atkins are the two best english centres in SL, maybe THE two best centres. Maybe very harsh on Riley, but I really couldn't put him ahead of Hicks or King for a position on the wing. As it is, I suspect Bridge will start on Friday, but then find himself as a utility back on the bench against Saints.