Anyone going to have a go at our team ?

Not me!

If McNally, Langi, Paterson and Higham are available, it would seem strange to leave them out, but also strange to make so many changes to a side that put 40 on away to London.

Me neither! Thaler will be reffing though.

Are we able to put the side out that beat them at their place last time we played them ??

No Mortimer, and I doubt Higson will play

It's tough isn't it to pick a team considering what is at stake. Midweek, last week I made the call that young Hampshire would start the match against London. How do people think he played ? By all accounts he did well so even though the team may yet to be decided.I will stick my neck out and get the ball rolling. I say young Ryan will be at 1 and our full back on Saturday.

Maybe Hampshire will have stronger goal line defence than McNally (still can't get over how he turned Lunt over for the try that got us into this mess), but McNally offers a lot more joining the attacking line, and less likely to drop a high ball.

I'd be inclined to select McNally. What about hooker? Seemed unthinkable that Higham might miss out if available, but we've lost by two at Warrington and won two games since he was out? Would he be the calm experienced head that is so influential, or would he try too hard, which I think he's been guilty of at times this year?

Harold I think most people are waiting for you to call the team! My own thoughts are that I hope we don’t play anyone not 100% fit - too many times I’ve seen that strategy fail, particular worry would be Higham who gave absolutely everything when Mortimer went off.

Picking tonight’s Euromillions easier than guessing the Leigh team this season - hope Neil picks a team that will stay calm and be fast enough in mind and body to deal with the last ten minutes of potential madness.

First crack at a team, my mum will be so proud. Let's go for a real offensive strategy and assume Brown is still injured.

McNally
Dawson
Crooks
Fleming (Langi if fit)
Clare

Reynolds
Drinkwater

Maria
Hood
Tickle
Paterson
Stewart
Hansen

Higham
Vea
Hopkins
Hampshire (or Burr) I have a feeling Greg won't last the match in one piece


*2018 I'd like to see Ridyard back at 6 and give Reynolds a crack at 13. We've struggled to get over the line a bit this year.

McNally says he's fit to play, and is in before Hampshire for me - his take of the bombs to be expected have been generally top notch, Hampshire didn't particularly impress me when he had a run there

I tend to go with Éloi,he still has a point to prove against them. Then again Mortimer was switched to hooker. I can still, for some reason see Higham being the "He's one of our own" chants.

I like the look of that team, I do think Hampshire will be at 1 for this, I also think Vea will start for Paterson.

Either way it's good enough to get the job done !

*I will also be taking a good look at the Catalans stand off with a view for next year.

Which overseas players would make way?

Not sure, maybe one of them has signaled his wish to return home to family a la Dayne Weston ?

I am concerned that NJ may risk Langi when not 100% fit - he limped into the ground yesterday. I would also include Burr in the 17 as opposed to McNally or Hampshire - Buur's stats at London were outstanding he is playing really well at the minute.

Arguably the most improved, consistent player in the squad. He'd be in for me all the time.

I'd like Hampshire to get a game and also be given a good run next year -- if still with us. Earlier in the year I thought he played a bit too individually and a bit frentic for Leigh's style of play from 2016. However his read of the try against Wigan showed his class, and he has great energy. I think with the right guidance and a bit of time, he can give the Leigh fans some really good moments -- if he's happy to play fullback or wing.

With regards McNally, I didn't think he'd step up as much as he has this year and he really seems to be enjoying the collisions of SL now. Another one for the most improved list for sure and great pair of hands when on the attack. Either way exciting prospect for a rollercoaster game.

I am looking forward to the game and I think you will beat Catalans

So do I..

Possibly time to go "off the cuff" again.

Personal preferance but I would not put Hampshire on a blow football team, Given the choice of him or McNally, Greg every time.
Hookers, it is no time for sentiment it has to be Hood and Pellisier, Mickey and I know it was virtually the wole match he played against Widnes but he was completely knackered and dare I say it showing his age, the other two have so much more energy to spend and that will be required in bucketfuls.
Langi, is the injury seroius enough not to react to painkillers, for the 80mins, there is a long recovery period after this game.
Subs bench, definatley run with 4 forwards, in recent games that seems to be Cats only attacking option. Stop their forwards and we stop them.
Tactic, target Walsh with ball in hand, run at both Inu and Duport neither can tackle or dont seem to want to, and pepper Tierney with bombs.

Well I'd like the see the other 2 hookers play a full game and see what there energy is like, Higham has plenty if interchanges go ok just like the others. He also adds experience and leadership which is vital in a game like this - old head could be crucial.

Agree with McNally, not done a lot wrong recently and earns the FB shirt

Also agree about the 4 forwards, which means no risk for Langi unless Paterson is fit who can slip into the centres

Are you saying you would play Langi?

Kieran Cunningham rates Ryan Hampshire. Yes he is a talent but has not realised that yet at 3 clubs. Dropping McNally for him at this stage is not only very harsh but is also a huge huge call, IMHO.

As for Higham , he has had a nasty bout of illness that has laid him low for a fortnight. He is recovered but it is another huge call. I believe he will play though.

I do not think Langi will be risked if I am honest, they are assessing him day by day but I reckon Saturday will be a week or so to soon for him put his boots back on again.

All in my opinion of course. Another couple of days to go yet though.

Who picks the team, Cunningham or Jukes?

If you lose on Saturday probably Cunningham after then.