If Prescott is fit, is there a case for having Lima and Coley as starting props, and a bench of Cross, Prescott, Mossop and McIlorum?

That would probably mean Mossop playing in the back row as it's asking a lot of Hansen, Hoffman and Lockers to play 80 minutes at what is probably high intensity rugby. Is it wise to move him there when he's been one of, if not the best prop in the team? I suppose Madge could also use Prescott or McIlorum as a loose forward and move O'Loughlin out wide in that situation should he want to rotate the back row but it doesn't seem sensible in my opinion.

If still had Puletua in the backrow then it wouldn't be a bad idea but he's been playing at prop so I don't see the need tbh.

I'm not sure Cross looked ready for a game like this against Hull. He looks eager to impress but his discipline needs some work. I'd also say Hock isn't quite ready but Farrells poor performance last week may save him.

I don't like the idea of a bench with Cross, Prescott and Mossop. I think Mossop is a prop through and through myself.

If Prescott is fit Cross drops out straight away. Not been overly impressed by Cross, hes been steady and showed plenty of passion but he isnt upto the teams standards just yet.

The decision between Hock and Farrell is much harder. Due to Hock only just coming back and being slightly off the pace at times plus Farrell not being as impressive recently. For me the decision should be made based on our starting second rowers. Hoffman will play the full 80. So, that leaves cover needed for 10-20 mins on the right hand side for Hansen. With that in mind i'd go with Faz, Hock is a left sided second row and doesnt need the added pressure of playing on that side after a 2 year lay off.

Another option during the game would be to give McLlorum a spell in the back row at times. Have him defending in the middle as normal and push Lockers into right SR in defence.

So Cross and Hock to miss out for me but agree Hock may be saved by Farrell under performing last week. If so i wont lose any sleep over it he's a top player when on form and will be pumped up more than ever for a derby.

Cross and Hock to miss out for me.

Cross is too indisciplined for a game like Saturday and keeping our discipline could be the difference between going to Wembley and watching Murder She Wrote on ITV3 in three weeks times.

Hock is too off the pace at the moment and would be targeted ala Feka two years ago. I thought Faz was poor on Friday but he still made 40 tackles.

As I put above for me this would be the best option, faz was poor last week and deserved the chop, hock is not ready yet. A team with 5 props in is what we need to take it to a strong saints pack. Cross was born for this type of game.

cross and hock shouldnt be newhere near this one,
cross too up and down, hasnt really got going yet for me, grandet hes nto played much same as hock, just think they a few weeks from being in for this,
Faz was poor at times but still make 40 odd tackles and has helped up beat these guys on many previous occasions.
faz has to be in, we need someone to tackle, and tackle and then pop up with a great run,and thats faz's game.

Faz and Hock to miss out for me, IF prescott is fully fit and raring to go

Hock needs more game time and Faz has had a crapper of late unfortunatley and cannot risk this tomorrow

Nerves getting to me now but still confident in a squad and our mentality

ITS OURS THIS YEAR, IN MADGE WE TRUST

That was my thought, to use Mossop as a back row forward for this game. Hock is still not up to pace and Farrell, although he made forty tackles last week gets driven back in the tackle (it was the reason Maguire dropped him initially).

A big pack could help us tomorrow, and Mossop is pretty quick for a big man.

I would have no concern using Mossop in the back row he has excellent lateral mobility in the defensive line that a traditional Prop is sometimes exposed by when playing in the second row.

Jamie Peacock is an example of how someone can get exposed as a weakness in defence when used in the second row, but I do not think that Mossop with his athleticism will be an issue used in this role.

That's not all that's needed though when defending further out, especially if he's defending down the right hand side. Decision making and communication are just as important and that's where he might not be quite so effective. That said, he'd probably be far better defensively than Hock and probably Farrell too judging by his recent performances.

Given he has played second row most of his career to date i would not have any concerns in relation to this.

He was never the strongest defender though, and he hasn't played second row at all this year. He might not be au fait with the decision making of the players around him.

I do agree that he'd probably be a better option than either Hock or Farrell. It's just a question of whether Coley (getting on a bit), Prescott (an injury worry) and Cross (far from convincing and a possible liability) would be a good 3 to have at prop.

Cross vs Hock is the biggest decision to make in my opinion. Both don't look up to speed but of the two Hock has at least had a game where he looked effective, albeit against a poor side.

Post removed.

If it's Kyle Eastmond then that is really bad news... for Wigan. I was looking forward to him being anonymous in attack and getting torn to pieces out wide and/or close to the line. Shame.

Our injury curse against you lot strikes again. At least this time we have two halfbacks that can play rugby are fit.

Roby

On another note, hope whoever it is feels completely fine and ready to go by Sunday!

Looks to be Eastmond...

Hock and either Preccy or Faz to miss out for me:

Sam
Josh
Joel
George
Pat
Finch
Deacon
Coley
Tommy
Lima
Hansen
Hoff
Lockers

Micky Mac
Mossop
Preccy/Faz
Cross

no excuses. you have a full team out bar one and fred perry. should be a cracker - can't wait till saturday afternoon.

We've got Magennis injured as well as perry and Ade.

I'm still confident and probably will be until the teams warm up like the QF. Was only when the West Stand erupted when the lads headed back to the sheds after the huddle that I really felt the nerves.

Don't forget wheeler.

Wello
Makinson
Shenton
Meli
Foster
Pryce
Lomax
Graham
Roby
TP
Flannery
Sia
Wilkin

Gaskell
Moore
Lms
Clough

This is apparently the saints team

Safe to say I'm very confident. Hope it doesn't bite me on the ass later.