I agree with you there Alan & it would nice to see Pownall in his natural position at FB & give Clay a run out on't wing. Hopefully Jonny has a better experiance at FB since his last game there ouch LoL I have to say although Ostick probably isn't going to get player of the season award & I had my doubts his work rate & effort is good & better than expected so you can't ask any more than that.

This will be the match for Michael Ostick to stand up and put himself about in a tough competative game. I hope he does. For me this game will definitely tell me wether we need a new stand off also. Both these players need to bring their A game to the table on thursday.

I think your being a bit harsh on Riddy IMO he seems to be getting back to his form he's playing better than he has in previous games

I would keep most of the same team that beat Rochdale on Thursday maybe bring in Duffy on the bench if fit and Laithwaite for Bristow or Taylor if he isn't fit

Agree. Last season he always had Ellis as his partner and took to Ellis's style of play.

Keeping Ryan at scrum half and they would develop an understanding imo
and I think as the game went on that showed.

I realise Hornets were understrength and their defence was poor but teams have to play what is in front of them.

Thursday should we start with Ryan I think their forwards will target him but I think Ryan will cope and be better for it.

Everytime he gets the ball he certainly lifts the mood.

Totally agree, I think Ridy and Ryan at 6 & 7 have creativity and tries in themselves, I would also start Pownall before Russell, every time I have seen him he has impressed me and think the more game time he gets the more he will progress.

Well said Wurzel, I'd agree with all of that. I think we could have ourselves a very special player in Pownall. And if, as suggested, he's even better at fullback than on the wing then I can't wait to see what the future holds for him and for Leigh.

I think we will get beat Thursday however I reckon we will do them in the challenge cup. You have to start Riddy and Brierly and if Duffy is fit spell him at hooker. Include Laithwaite and give young Pownall a go at full back. If we perform like we have done at times this season I think we could get a win at the Shay but I just cant see it. Good luck though boys!

Should give us chance to see some big hits if Ostick is playing.

Can't fault him in recent weeks. Certainly not the biggest of props, but he's got a quick PTB and a decent pair of hands, and certainly puts his hand up to get through a lot of work.

i always thought he did ok for us.

never gonna be a world beater, but trys hard.

also prone to go missing, and then after the game you wonder "was he even playing??"

like you say not the biggest prop. im sure we have him covered though in the pack.

TBH ive watched Fax for nearly 30 years now and hes one of the worst props ive seen play for us, and i saw Anthony Seu Seu.

Hes like a moving tackle bag in attack and goes missing too much in defence. This is going to be the first game against Leigh in recent years where i actually expect our pack to be on top but we shall see.

Wouldn't it be funny if adverse comments from his former supporters spurred him to great things on Thursday?

(along the lines of a succession of football commentators saying "This Polish goalie's a clown," only to see him have a blinder!)

Whats all this drop McNally and Nicho carp Duffs doesnt deserve a spot at present and McNally has been superb all season, as good as the Wigan lad is he is not as good as McNally at this moment in time for us.
Pownall is a shoe in on the wing, Laithwaite to back row, Hoppie to 13. Taylor will be out.

Doubt he can read tbh.......

Sometimes it's all about the coaching!! We had all the same sort of comments about Mills before we signed him up last season, but he played a blinder for us....and now his impact seems to have tailed off again since he went to Swinton.
Richie Moore was a lad where we could see the potential, but it never really worked with us - but when he ended up at Wakey under Kear he turned the lad into an international class forward. Can't say Ostick has done too much wrong for us - he's certainly grafted!!....and like Alan says, it's a perfect opportunity for him to rub a few folks noses in it!!

Ostick has done more than graft watch Freds tape of the Hornets game his offloads are first class good player and improving with each game

Spot on Ian, I was beginning to think it was just me who noticed. Folk moan about 1 man drives yet don't appreciate Ostick & Bibbey.

Quite right. My elder bro should read this thread he phoned me the other day complaining about Bibey in particular.

Well although everyone knows I never say anything I did make my view clear

Coming over to watch this from uni in Hudds, think Fax will edge it but I hope not to be honest, a Leigh victory would be better for us!

Hope you'll have your Eagles top on mate

Will have my Eagles hoodie on!

Have to agree that Riddy is not at his very best BUT there's always a touch of magic to his play. Believe! - and persevere

How has Laithwaite done for you since arriving on loan? Watching our U20's he seems to defend well and run good lines. Hope he's going well for you.

The lad's only played a couple of games, but has impressed with his work ethic and mistake-free game. From all accounts (including the coach) he has fitted in well and is popular with the squad - which isn't always easy for a d/c player.

He looks like a lad with a very bright future.

P.S. You can have him back if you like, as a swap for Chris Hill!!