So improvement last night, but that wasn't hard considering how bad we were vs saints. We look okay in the middle so I wouldn't change much there, however in the back line it isn't just Riley who needs to sort himself out so my back 7 for hull (assuming all are fit) would be

Russell
Monaghan
Ratchford
Evans
Ormsby
Obrien
Myler

Obrien deserves a run of games to show what he can do plus we have problems in the centres and ratch can do a job there

Thought Bridge did ok to be honest, so I'd retain him at centre and that left flank still looks a bit fragile to me.

If we had numbers in the forwards I'd consider moving Grix to left-centre temporarily to shore things up but that would weaken the pack, so yeah Evans in for Atkins.

I'm not even going to discuss the half-backs because I don't think anyone, including TS, know the solution.

Gob at 6

I wouldn't drop bridge, he does frustrate me at times when he gives away needless penalties but last night he was pretty good and should keep his place. Gob should stay at 6 and for me ratchford at 7 but only if Russell is fit to start at 1 I think that pairing will give us a decent kicking game and I suspect Myler is carrying a knock or isn't quite 100%. Atkins needs a break and to refocus himself on everything that made him a firm favourite 2 seasons ago, so Rhys Evans could get a chance for me but he really needs to take his next chance like his brother did last night. I must confess until last night I never thought Ben Evans had a future with the wire but last night he made me think that I was wrong about him and long May that continue.

1. Russell
2. Monaghan
3. Bridge
4. Evans
5. Ormsby
6. Ratchford (purpose of experimenting to see who works best)
7. O'brien
-----------
Forwards pretty much pick themselves, give Atkins a months spell at Swinton, Myler looks unfit or out of sorts, week off to show him you need form or you get dropped.

It won't happen though and if O'brien is dropped and Stef plays 6 I'll be fuming.

1.Russell
2.Monaghan
3.Bridge
4.Ratchford
5.Ormsby
6.GOB
7.Myler

Russell
Gene
Ryan
Bridgey
Joel
Ratch
Richie

At this moment in time its the only way to go.
But I do take note of Tony's comments on the Red Button last night.

I love you FB, if the world was about to blow up I'd spend it with you, a shining beacon of positivity in a decaying world

Gareth O'Brien does NOT deserve to lose his place; he has to stay in

What were his comments fb?
Not got access to red button.

I think we're all agreed on that, and if he is dropped it's vastly unfair seeing as he completely outplayed Myler.

i dont think you will find many arguments on here against that.

I also agree with this, BUT according to TS on the red button it sounded pretty much like when Russell is back Ratchford will go back into the halves.

He did but was in praise of GOB but not so of Myler?????

Russell
Monaghan
Bridge
Evans
Atkins
O'Brien
Myler
Hill
Higham
Asotasi
Waterhouse
Westwood
Grix

Ratchford
England
Evans
Laithwaite

Why would you put one of our best players on the bench?

If anything

Russell
Gene
Bridge
Evans
Monaghan
Ratchford
O'Brien
Hill
Higham
Asotasi
Waterhouse
Westwood
Grix

M Monaghan
B Evans
England
Laithwaite

Think Atkins & Myler need time out of the squad.
Still have Wood & Harrison aswell to come back into the squad.

Russell
Monaghan
Bridge
Atkins
Ormsby
Ratchford
Myler
Hill
Higham
Asotasi
Westwood
Waterhouse
Grix

Monaghan
England
Evans
Currie

This.

For me:
1.Russell
2.Monaghan
3.Bridge
4.Evans
5.Ormsby
6.Ratchford
7.GOB

Although if Harrison is fit id be tempted with:
1.Russell
2.Monaghan
3.Bridge
4.Grix
5.Ormsby
6.Ratchford
7.GOB

Whilst I really rate Grix and he can/has done a decent job at 4 and even 6/9, surely one of our first priorities is to understand what our best back line is and his inclusion doesn't add to the debate IMO.

It appears to be accepted that Russell is 1, Riley and Atkins are in poor form (although I did not see Friday's game) and we seem to be wondering when/if Myler can take charge then surely we need to field Evans and O'Brien for them to stake a claim rather than draft a forward into the mix?

That way there will be real competition for 'the shirt' rather than a 'merry go round' of players that think that they can't be rested. For example, Atkins can feel the heat from Evans and perhaps Ratchford as they are long term options for his position, especially if the form of GOB, Myler and Russell make them impossible to replace rather than Grix flitting in and out because of injuries.

Bridge has done well, I think a Brett Delaney type move to the back row awaits though.

Is russell definitely available then? Thought he was out a bit longer.

GOB / Ratchford / Myler is an interesting one... despite showing some good touches I still not convinced that GOB isn't still a little rough around the edges, but of the three at the moment his guile means he almost has to play at the moment.

On balance I think Bridge and Atkins are the weakest on current form, personally I don't rate Bridge at all (3 screw ups for everything he does right) whereas Atkins needs to play into a bit of form, so if Russell is back I'd put Ratchford into the centres with Atkins.

Forwards played better last week - can't see the sense in making changes there.

You must be the only one who wants Atkins in the team this week!!

I reckon even Atkins doesn't want to play this week.

According to Hull board, Grix is out this week. Anybody heard anything?