Because I can't see Saints going into this in any other mindset than brimming with confidence; they're quick, fluent, highly-skilled and able to score from anywhere on the park. I can't imagine for a minute that they'll feel any pressure when faced with the prospect of playing WT.

I'm not being a pessimist here - or discounting some kind of freak win - but it would be just that; a freak.

But surely that`s the point? There will be a pressure on them to win this game as they are expected to win it, even if they are full of confidence.

If by some miracle we see big Dave`s name on the team sheet and the return of Brough I may be travelling over the M62 with a tiny fraction of hope !

Can't afford any slow starts here. I imagine they'll come out all guns blazing from the off, like Warrington did down at BV earlier in the season. Really need big Dave but can't see him playing

If, and it's a big if, Saints are a bit 'off' on the day and we are at the top of our game we may well spring a surprise. Wakefield by 4.

Good to see quite a few optimists on here. But I honestly think we have zero chance of winning this match. I just dont see us putting everything together that we'd need to do to come out on top.

If we allow them to get of to a flyer and build up an early lead, then there is no pressure whatsoever.
However, if we can keep it tight or, better still, take the lead, then, pressure will build and their support may become impatient.

It's a huge ask but, equally, it's 13(17) v 13 (17) and if we harbour any ambition beyond being a top 5/6 club, then, at some point we have to win some of this type of game.

As the thread title suggests, this game is as tough as they come, especially with a squad that is a long way from full strength but, it still comes down to 80 minutes on a rectangular piece of grass and the reward for victory could be huge and tickets are cheap as chips



Come on Trin !

Dave not playing this week.
Chester just confirmed his foot injury not terrible but it will keep him out for a week.
Max too as he has broken his thumb.

MCB also a doubt this week. Jack Croft in the squad.

This is starting to feel like the game at Wigan a few years ago, when we went over there, first game of the season, with a patched up squad and expected to get mullered.
We very unexpectedly won thet one. The main difference is that we've no hope of catching Saints cold, they have been ruthless so far this season.
It's becoming a close your eyes and cross your fingers game.

I admire your optimism Wrencat, but this is now beyond cross your fingers time.

We've had the heart ripped out of the team for weeks and it simply gets worse. If Max is out and Dave, even if Broughty back - forget it, and I'll gladly eat my words but I think we'll do good to avoid a big score against.

Two teenagers Croft and Kershaw against Naiqama and Makinson?...one on debut...it’s what dreams are made of boys...go make a name for yourselves...best team in the league by a mile, full strength...in red hot form...live on bbc...there is no greater stage!

This is starting to feel more and more like the Wire semi final three years ago.

Talk about chosen men!!!
Defo nothing to lose!!


For gods sake, who has broken a mirror since the start of this season!!


May I suggest that those travelling over for the game like myself, take their boots - just in case......

I said warlier, we must have killed a lot of robins.

Looks like Fifita might flown off somewhere looking at his Instagram from Manchester Airport. Second thoughts has he just seen someone off.

Frankly this would have been a near impossible with a full team. Our record in the CCup in recent times is terrible no matter what teams we’ve put out. I’ve certainly never seen us play well in this competition, don’t know why we just seem up for it.

So imo it doesn’t really matter who’s playing but whether those who are actually want to. A bit of desire would be nice.

Good job we didn't draw Bradford.

we need it be pouring with rain and a muddy track- any chance of that over there - we may stick with them and who knows a bounce of the ball

That's almost mositive of you Bojo. You on the sauce tonight?

BOJO the optimist ! You're out of step mate! this is the time to be pessimistic!

Hull beat wires then get battered by the giants , Salford almost/ should have beat saints then get beat by HKR, anything’s possible if you are up for the fight as been shown in last few weeks.The slow starts are the worry , if we do saints will be out of sight and we’ll only have ourself to blame, as long as we give it a good dig I’m happy .

Saints are a very good side, but don’t be fooled by the performance against Cas last week. We (Cas) deploy the same tactics against them every time & literally couldn’t make it any easier for them to beat us.
Will it be tough? Yes. Are you the underdogs? Yes. Can you beat them though? Yes. The reward is huge; if you beat Saints then there’s no one left to fear in the draw. This is where you have the advantage in my opinion. Wakey can play the game of their lives, because it quite literally could be for some players. For Saints, this is another routine game on their way to another final.

Well said that man.

You say that, but how many finals have Saints been to under Holbrook? The answer, of course, is none.

How many finals should Saints have been to under Holbrook? Well, both last year were nailed on, on paper.