So Smith has pretty much looked at everyone and I've seen each game since he arrived.
This is my team for the 8

Locke
Johnstone
Arundal
Lyne
Tansey
Godinet/Smith
Miller
Scruton
Sio
Kavenagh
Molloy
Washbrook
Smith D

McShane
Simon
Anderson
Ali

Assuming Kirmond is out and Godinet won't be there for start.
Jowett, Ryan, Ashurst would all be ok to replace their counterpart, possibly Crowther, Riley, Howarth and Walker but not Hall or Annakin or Kirke

Still shows us weak on centres but I like the overall look of the team

No Ashhurst PT? I think he is our best attacking option in the forwards. Has to play imo

Pity we've lost Owen for that wing spot. I think it's a tough choice between Molloy and Ashurst. Probably just favouring Ashurst. Other than that I can go with your 17 easy.

I'd add Ashurst to the 17. I'd probably go for Riley over Tansey. I appreciate he hasn't had as good a season as last year but I think he is more solid and contributes more than Tansey.

Okay Tansey scored a great improvised try at the KC, but then again his defence was weak. Yesterday he conceded a very soft try for their 2nd try. Admittedly he didn't get too much of the ball yesterday but as stated on another thread he didn't come inside to help the forwards out like Riley did. IMVHO.

Locke

Riley
Arundal
Tansey
Johnstone

Smith
Miller

Scruton
Godinet
Anderson
Ashurst
Washbrook
Molloy

Sio
Kavanagh
D Smith
Ali

I'm with you, I think Ashurst just offers a bit more than Molloy. Other than that I agree.

Looks like Wakey, Salford and Widnes are nailed on for that now, with probably Hull KR (although if they beat Hull FC this weekend it'll make the last weekend interesting on Humberside).
Championship sides look like being Leigh and Bradford (already qualified) with Halifax and the winner of Sheffield v Fev this next weekend.

I'm pretty happy that that team would more than hold it's own in the middle 8's against the opposition likely to be in there.

I think that's very harsh on Simon who has consistently given us some much needed go forward. He has been one of our best props this season IMO.

1. Locke
2. Johnstone
3. Arundle
4. Sio
5. Lynne
6. Godinet
7. Miller
8. Anderson
9. McShane
10. Scruton
11. Ashurst
12. Washbrook
13. Malloy

14. Ryan
15. Lauitiiti
16. Simon
17. D Smith

I like the look of that team - why not give Sio a run at centre - certainly can't be any worse attacking wise and he has good defence.

Tbh I had forgotten about Simon, in which case swap him for Dan Smith.

I'd leave Smith in and swap Simon for Kavanagh, it's good to see somebody else what would play Tansey at centre.

I'd swap Tansey and Lyne around. Tansey at centre and Lyne on the wing.

I forgot Ashurst. He's in above Molloy

If what I hear is true, Smith will be a Hudds player come the end of this week, possibly by the end of today!

Not certain it`s true though.

I'd be ok with that if it was a swap for Brough

I am told that Mullaly will be coming the other way until the end of the season - Obviously he has signed for Leeds from next season.

Not sure 100% sure if there is any truth in it, but this is what I have been told.

Molloy over Ashurst - seriously?

I don't mind Molloy but not in the same class as Ashurst.

Do you not read the threads your commenting on?



& yes I agree, Ashurst over Molloy, although I wouldn't be surprised if Molloy featured in the 8s.

I'd play Tansey and bring Lyne in to centre. Love Johnstone as a player but to easily brushed off in the tackle due to his youthful frame IMO so if by a fluke Owen returns or Riley finds form I'd go with them.

I know Tansey is no superstar but in tight games I'd go with him. Sio at centre is odd?

Wasn't even talking to you so please feel free to do one

Is it just me that think Lyne has gone down hill recently? Been ineffective scooting from dummy half, runs laterally then gets dominated in the tackle and put on his back and slows down our momentum.

Never backs himself, although that's nothing new - Should we give Sio a run out at Centre next week?

Jordan may have ankle ligament damage suffered in the 19s game,we will know more today,hopefully it's a sprain.If he's as tough as his dad he will be back in no time.

Prior to him signing with Trinity Sio was listed as a Hooker/Loose Forward and Centre.

His size and defence would be a big positive out wide and he also has good hands.
Lynne playing outside him gives us some size on the wing for cross field kicks in both attacking and defensive situations. Along with Johnstone on the other wing it also gives us pace on both edges. I get the Johnstone physicality argument but with a better defence on his inside he shouldn't get as exposed as he has in previous matches.

I'd consider Tansey ahead of Arundle though

I havent seen anything about Sio to suggest he could fill in at centre, at the moment i have my doubts about him been a hooker, but that could be due to him still settling him in at the club and time will tell.

Everywhere i've looked shows Sio only ever playing hooker or loose forward and not centre and i've seen nothing so far that would suggest any different. If we want a stronger defender and extra size there then putting Ryan in that position is probably a better option. I'd be reluctant to put Tansey in the centres as his one on one defence isn't the greatest but i'd be willing to give him a chance before writing him off in that position so for me play him there against Cas this week with Lyne on the wing as he himself seems to be struggling at present. I said coming out of the ground yesterday that i'm not sure that Smith himself is 100% sure of his first choice 17 just yet and if the talk of a couple of comings and goings this week are correct then that would seem to be the case. These next two games are vital in finding the right combinations.