I wouldn't let Navarette anywhere near this side at the moment, even with Partington being banned. He was unbelievably frustrating to watch, he came on, knocked on, then gave a penalty away.

He was appalling on Thursday but superb the week before. He needs to string performances together. I think he’ll get lucky with Partington’s ban and keep his place because without that ban I doubt he’d have played.

Barring injuries cannot see anything other than the above.
I think the game will be very close and this is our biggest test since we we played Saints away.
We need a strong start and finish something we've probably only done once this season.
Hopefully Salford will bring a good following and we have a genuine cup tie atmosphere.
Really looking forward to it.

Agreed.

Interestingly looking at their team I'd have taken Josh Jones for next season.

Surely Marshall will be in ahead of Burgess? He was killing it up until his hamstring niggle and Burgess looks a shadow of the player he can be. To say these past two weeks have been his big chance to try and nail down his spot, his lack of energy and confidence has been pretty sad to see.

Agreed. Having Marshall on one wing and French on the other I think Salford would struggle to contain. Unless we are saving him for the potential trip to Saints?

I think you'll probably win this, and hopefully it will be a good hard test for both teams. I don't think Watson will let the team think that this is just a victory lap for getting into the play-offs, as someone else suggested. You are definitely our bogey team, and while you've beaten us each time this season, it's never been by a great amount. Fourteen points being the highest margin iirc.

I think both teams are currently the form teams so it will be interesting to see how this one plays out. I think home advantage may tip it in your favour and the fact that you do have vastly more experience in play-off games than us.

We have nothing to lose, and nothing to prove this season, which makes us quite a dangerous opponent however.

Hopefully be a good game, with both teams at their best.

Can’t imagine French would be too happy to be back on the bench for this game. Hope he gets the nod to start and burgess sits one out as he’s looking a yard of pace short at the moment. A rest/kick up the backside by not playing might do him good?

Navarrete has been fairly poor all season long,just the odd flash of form here and there,I wouldn’t have near my side,I’d also say Marshall if he’s fit will play,Lam seems to rate him and being honest he’s been great this season.

Hankinson will be in for Sarge. I’m okay with that will not let us down.

Agree, was a little unfortunate to be left out last time. If we get to the final and win it, we'll need to use the squad a bit to overcome 3 or 4 high intensity games back-to-back.

I’d agree play Marshall in this game. I remember the start of last season he had a blinder against Salford. Think Burgess needs a rest.

It's a no brainer.

I’m astounded some are putting Navarette in after that woeful performance on Thursday. For me I’d be going with;

Hardaker
French
Sarginson
Gildart
Marshall
Tommy
Williams
Clubb
Powell
Flower
Farrell
Greenwood
Smithies

Lockers
Byrne
Burgess
Isa

I'm not quite sure what exactly Hankinson did wrong i really thought he was coming good when sarginson was out injured,he has come straight back into the team whilst he is still carrying the 3 injuries yet a fully fit Hankinson is made to play at Swinton,also hopefully Marshall is fit and replaces Burgess

Hankinson was looking more than capable to be a starting centre, I believe additionally with more game time he would have only improved as partnerships with his wingman would develop as well as playing at that level consistently.
I guess Hankinson is seen as cover, even with Sarge leaving at the end of the season and Hank saying; he can only be seen as cover. Hopefully next season with no more Sarge, it'll be a clean slate for all with Lam awarding the centre spots to whoever looks the part after a great pre-season. Realistically I can see Hankinson, Bobby and possibly Hardaker all looking for the spot with Gilly as a shoe in the other spot.

Agree with most of this but I honestly wouldn’t put Hardaker in as centre. It’s between Bibby and Hankinson for me with Hardaker at FB. French would partner Hastings and Leuluai would share hooking duties with Powell. Good to have options though.

Possibly because both the winners and losers get another game next week. Lose tomorrow and we get a home game against Wire/Cas the week after. Win that and we'll get another game against Salford for the right to face Saints in the GF. Win tomorrow and we have the unenviable trip to Saints next week.

Assuming we are not going to beat Saints twice in 3 weeks, then I think our best shot is to flunk it on Friday.

We don't have to beat Saints twice. We don't need to beat them on their own patch to make the final even if we win on Friday.

Just speaking in hypotheticals mate. I think there's a possibility of Hardaker to centre with French at FB, especially if Lachlan Lam comes over on loan. I love Hardaker as our FB personally, more than happy with him; but there is potential for French to play there.

Winger on the bench? You've lost me there

Think more likely Isa starting and Greenwood on the bench based on form and I suspect Navarrette will be on the bench rather than a winger.

I’d personally keep Burgess on and start Marshall on the bench as I think Marshall would have more of an impact coming on from the subs bench than Burgess would.I agree about Isa his tenacity from the start is what’s needed. Get greenwood running wide on French’s side where he can find an offload or a quick PTB to get Bevan some space. Really looking forward to this game though , it’s going to be a lot harder than some people think.

Gives us versatility and options to reshuffle the back line/HB’s. Salford are a very well drilled side and we will need to rely on several elements to beat them. The more options the bench give us the better.

Re Isa; I do agree strangely enough with the points and wouldn’t be disappointed or annoyed if he started.

In fairness carrying Burgess on the bench wouldn’t be much different to having French on there. We’d just need to reshuffle a bit more once Burgess came on and French moves in to the halves (where he came on at Wakey).

Not that I’d put him on the bench mind but it’s not a ridiculous suggestion by any stretch.