Manfredi is a doubt with a minor knee problem so Marshall is on standby. They clearly won’t take any risks with Manfredi so I think we’ll see Marshall come in.

Massive opportunity for Marshall if he does come in, chances could become a lot more limited later in the year once Burgess is back fit.

I’m guessing Davies will switch back to the right and Marshall will come in on the left then?

You'd imagine so; that would suit both of them.

No leave Davies on the left, let him get more accustomed as thats where he will have to play the rest of the year.

Depends on how long Manfredi will be out for me. If it’s very minor and he’s back next week then I’d probably keep Davies on the left to build up a partnership with Sarginson before the Roosters game but if you’re talking a few weeks plus then I’d probably get them both (Davies and Marshall) in the spots they’ll be most comfortable in for that game.

Hey guys.
ALl the best for the season always love a trip to the JJB. Im placing a few bets ready for the start of the season what do you think to Sammut for SL dream team halfback at 12s? I know he has a ban but do you think he will start above Williams?

Never in a million years will he start above Williams. However, he’s more likely to start at 7 ahead of Powell with Leuluai starting at 9.

He's 14/1 on skybet

(not that I'd bet on him, Brough at 20/1, maybe.)

Going to be a bit fresh Thurs, weather forecast as it at zero at kick off time with a wind chill of -5.
Brrrr

Open to discussion but I still think Marshall and Davies are the two weakest wingers out of the 4 first team options, with Marshall being clearly last. I see Manfredi and Burgess as excellent in defence and game breakers in attack. Davies is a very solid all-rounder who's good in attack and defence.
In attack watching Marshall is a joy, speed to burn and quick feet to step and dodge defenders, but in defence he's suspect, under the highball, positionally and has errors in his game, occasional un-forced knock on etc.

It'll be interesting to see if Saints target him, with a backline of Hardaker, Davies, Sarginson, Gildart and Marshall, I see Marshall as the weak link.

All players are prone to mistakes. Think Saints will target Sarginson as much as Marshall.

I don't see Sarginson as a weak link at all. I felt he ended the season on a high playing some good rugby. Switching sides seemed to be effective for Sarg who looked as good as ever for me in recent games.

A testament to his sprit and determination after the sad loss of his brother.

I’m confident in Davies and Marshall in all honesty. I’m not a huge fan of Grace so that battle doesn’t worry me. They’ve got players we can target as much they can ours.

We’ve lost a few players again in the off season but our side is pretty settled with only really Hardaker coming in to a pivotal position. They’ve got a new fullback, scrum half (Fages) and loose forward to bed in so we need to take advantage of that.

Fingers crossed the game will be on because this weather isn’t looking great.

Fingers crossed indeed, but it will be totally ridiculous if a modern stadium can't deal with two or three centimetres of snow.

Never underestimate the H&S brigade.

I did quite like it when Saints tweeted that they had a heated ‘bubble’ over the pitch and somebody replied saying they thought it had burst last August

At least it’s not Bradford ! I will get my thermals on , -2 at kick off , 0 at full time ! Hopefully