So let's do a Leeds.

Martin Gleeson
Pat Richards
Paul Deacon
Stuart Fielden
Joel Tomkins
Sam Tomkins

Six first teamers out. Possibly seven with Brett Finch who hasn't played for six months and Amos Roberts has been missing for the last two weeks and we're up against a full strength, on-form Huddersfield Giants side away.

Does look a strong side that. I was tempted to put Josh at fullback and have Ryan King outside George.

I'm glad your not the coach.

No team in SL could lose that quality of players (if they had them!) and still manage to put out a side as strong as the one suggested by the OP. We have superb strength in depth, just look at the bench!

If this turns out to be the usual battle in the forwards then we should be ok - its a very strong starting pack and Lima, Mossop and Tuson on the bench mean there's plenty for Hudds to be worrying about.

I'd play Crosby off the bench rather than Finch, I think we need as much beef as we can get up front. Dom is only young but is absolutely huge!

You're aware I was being sarcastic?

Be great to see finch in cherry and white! Its about now he is due back so I don't think we are rushing him back, we're starting with an extra forward and we have 3 aggressive forwards on the bench, think we will do it!

Agreed. It is a very impressive side when you consider the number of players we have injured/not fully fit. I was a little worried about this game because Huddersfield are a very good side, very well coached too. They will be a formidable outfit at home this season and it will be a tough ask to go there and win. However I'm still fairly confident we can come away with the two points on friday. As mentioned, that is still a very good side & one that is certainly capable of bringing home the two points.

Should be a cracker.

I thought he'd signed for us

I hope Finch can play.
At last week's press conf Maguire, when asked about Finch, said he was seeing the doctor this week and was very close.
I just got the impression from him that it maybe down to the doctor to give Finch the "fit to play" decision. I'd play him off the bench.
With MicMac now doing the whole 80 mins it gives Maguire two extra interchanges which he can use for his forwards to keep them fresher than they othewise would be.
In the final 10 mins v Hull their pack was dead on its feet and our lads were going like a train! Even with 13 against 12 they couldn't hold on to their lead and lost!

If we had to go that route, I'd be more inclined to slot Matty Russell straight in at fullback. Don't think either Russell or King are quite ready yet, though.

No you weren't, you were panicking.

If we have brought Mellor back would it not be him who slots in on the bench if Finch is not fit? Seems strange to recall him from his loan spell and not have any intention of playing him even if Finch doesnt make it? As people have said the OP is usually bang on so Im not arguing with him, just seems odd to recall a player to have him as 19th man.

Whats the deal with gleeson if hes still a wigan player id play him

The commute to and from work is a little too much now.

Just saying pemps we need to put the best squad out suprised with all the keeping the fans in the dark if hes here play him if he isnt get hinm off the cap and get a replacement simples

Think the club is in a bit of a tricky situation. Hence no news.

They will on here too if we keep talking about it so shhh

Good point

Looking forward to Mellor's first outing. I know it's a needs must situation but when he's on form he's great and may well be a blessing in disguise...................ish

Good team that. Nice that he's moved Charnley and Marsh around. I was pretty confident going into Friday's game anyway, but now I've seen the team even more so. It's going to be a close fought battle that's for sure.

What I do like is there's plenty of pace in the backline, and plenty of go forward in the pack. Therefore I don't see us being out muscled or outpaced on Friday night. We just need Wane to give up em all a good ging up, and they'll be right.

Madge does not seem to think that.

What, that they're not ready? he'd have played them if he thought they were.

watch this space . dont want to say owt yet but watch out for the 18th man this week.