We are +12 at most bookies ... we are usually anything between +20 to +40 when we play Saints away so the
bookies seem to think we have half a chance.

I think we'll win. We tend to win games like this.. Saints haven't been nothing special, don't think they'll do much this season tbf.

Scott Grix
Tom Johnstone
Bill Tupou
Reece Lyne
Mason Caton-Brown

Sam Williams
Liam Finn

Craig Huby
Mikey Sio
Anthony England
Matty Ashurst
Danny Kirmond


James Batchelor
David Fifita
Tinirau Arona
Kyle Wood

That's who I'd go for

It's a bold strategy, and I'm not saying it won't work, but I can't see Chester starting with just 12 players.

Hey it could work - meant to put Anakin in

2 specialist number 9s is a must quite why were trying to go against modern day conventional wisdom and play 3 half backs is beyond me. It's time the coaching staff made a difficult decision and drop one of either Miller, Williams or Finn.

I'd be tempted to start Batchelor and use Annakin for impact.

Scott Grix
Tom Johnstone
Joe Arundel
Reece Lyne
Tupou / Caton-Brown

Jacob Miller
Sam Williams

David Fifita
Liam Finn
Anthony England
Danny Kirmond
Matty Ashurst
Mikey Sio

Craig Huby
Kyle Wood
Chris Annakin
Tinirau Arona

Batchelor + Caton-Brown/Tupou to miss out.

Not sure I would put Batch in for this, I would be more tempted to blood him at home next week against a “lesser” team.

I would like to see the Arundel Johnstone left side partnership reinstated that was working so well last season. That would mean moving Tupou out to the right side where I think we could make the most of his best asset, strong hard running on kick returns. I just don’t think he is a winger’s centre which, when you have the best young player in SL from last season out there, doesn’t make any sense.
I would also like to see what MCB can do in a competitive fixture hence I’m not 100% who I would go with.

Stick with Miller / Kirmond this week but they really need to be put on notice that their performance so far isn’t up to scratch. Give them a chance to prove wrong and see if that gets the right reaction, if not, hook next week.

Start Fifita for the first 15 to match up to Walmsley / Amor with instruction to get his hands on the ball as often as possible and run hard and straight. Aim to have Huby on for the remainder of the first half. Closely monitor second half to get Fifita back on for maximum impact.

Just my thoughts. I’m actually looking forward to this one, quietly confident of a win.

Chester has said that MCB will be a direct replacement for BJB

Only getting 8 start with some and its still a tempting bet. They're missing Greenwood big time.

Totally agree - Finn is the only one of the three who can play hooker but he's a better H/B IMHO - certainly in heavy conditions. I see no reason why Wood can't play most of the game with Sio or even Moules giving him a rest. Sio isn't the greatest no9 in the world but he's still decent.

I think on firm ground you might get away with three half backs but in the attrition game of winter no way - I think coaches need to realise nearly a third of the season is played in winter and it's brutal.


All that said I think we know who's to blame and that Moore - if he wasn't such a fool we'd have a good little set up now but he left us high and dry.

Isn't Miller now injured? Or did I misread the ticker on sky? If so could do us a favour if Finn ends up at 7

Isn't Miller now injured? Or did I misread the ticker on sky? If so could do us a favour if Finn ends up at 7

I'd like to see the following...

Scott Grix
Tom Johnstone
Bill Tupou
Reece Lynne
Mason Caton-Brown
Jacob Miller
Sam Williams
Anthony England
Liam Finn
Craig Huby
Danny Kirmond
Matty Ashurst
Mikey Sio

Subs. David Fifita, Tinirau Arona,James Batchelor, Kyle Wood

this ... except I would start young Batchelor instead of Kirmond... just to remind Danny that there are some young and hungry players snapping at his heels.

Thats how i'd go, although i wouldn't be heartbroken if he went with Arundal over Tupou.

Oh and i fancy us in this one, saints are nothing special at all. Stop Roby and muscle up in the pack and i reckon we'll nick a close one.

I'm glad I'll be there rather than watching it on TV and having to listen to Eddie rip us to shreds. Lets hope we're not another Shudds or Leeds.

Watch with the sound off and listen to radio commentary 5live sports extra if we're on loads better .

To get in the mood put "great try by scott grix" in the popular video sharing website. Hopefully see some more of that tonight.

Quality "hand off" from JD. Certainly gave Wellens something to whinge at. Not that it took much.

I think Arundel is the best centre partner for Johnstone and should play if fit enough. Apart from that I'd put MCB on the right wing and maybe leave Lyne as his partner.

Peeing it down in St Helens at the moment which should be a leveller. Also bookies have us +10 from +12, so we have been
backed slightly.

Annakin and Arundel miss out

Anyone seen Boris Johnson the 4th this morning?

Our lass as more idea

if brains were water he'd be a desert.