Just the one loss for the hosts and one of the most difficult fixtures in the calendar.

Sound like we have Gale and Evans back, maybe McIntosh, so some choices for Hodgson. Presumably Gale a straight swap for McNamara. I'd guess Evans in on the bench but not sure who makes way - Fash was rested for the cup after a really solid set of games, so assume he'll be back. If Lovodua remains in the halves will BH stick with Johnstone on the bench? I'd go something like

Connor
Swift
Griffin
Tuimavave
McIntosh
Lovodua
Gale
Satae
Houghton
Sao
Ma'u
Lane
Savelio

Fash
Evans
Bowden/Brown
Wynne

Nice to have a few decisions to make rather than just who's fit. Can see an argument for Gale and McNamara in the halves, Lovodua at 9 and Houghton on the bench. Short turnaround as well, hopefully nothnig coming out of disciplinary this week.

feel sure he will stick with McNamara at 6 although Lovodua has done well there and tightened up the defence
Dont think McIntosh will be available for this game
If we can keep the defence tight and be aware of Field coming into the line at pace in the midfield then we can come away with a win

Macca and Gale in halves, Joe on the bench for JJ for me, Mac if not 100% play Wynne again. Joe Lovodua can cover backs as well will be harsh on Connor Wynne but he's only 21 and he's proving to be our back up 1.2.3.4.5 you can see why Shaul is surplus to requirements.

We're probably better off taking a punt on Ritson from Barrow or Jack Broadbent than renewing Shaul.

Not that I want rid of Swift, but in the next 2/3 seasons we should be having Barron or Litten chomping at the bit as well as Wynne ready to take over

Interesting fixture and a real opportunity for this team to mark down a statement of intent to the rest of the league. Its never easy travelling to Wigan but I have confidence that this team is capable of getting a huge win on Thursday.

Lady behind counter at the club shop said that (albeit not a great amount) we've sold more tickets than they were expecting so far, and had been fairly busy this morning. good to see considering 4 of our last 5 matches have been away from home.

I agree , what a refreshing change to have some selection dilemmas, however I think he'll stick with young Ben in the halves and have Joe on the bench, he is so versatile he can probably cover every position but prop, which is why I think he is definitely worth a 2 year deal , as a priority, before someone else gets hold of him.

I think this will tell us where we really are, probably the most daunting away trip apart from Saints, so our performance in this one will indicate just where our mentality is, we may even win this game, Jai Field and Farrell apart, they aren't world beaters by any stretch , however we have to be switched on, from minute one to eighty, or we will come unstuck.

KPP may also be a doubt, as he went off with a groin strain I think.

Looking forward to this, like a trip to pie land. Hope the forecast snow doesn't make the M62 too tricky for the trip. Looks like winter gear going to be needed, I was in shorts at Fev on saturday!

Different world over them Pennines Mosher.

Should be a good game. I'm always pleased to see Hull do well- a successful Hull would be great for SL plus I have a few friends who follow them. Shame it's on a Thursday as it does have an impact on the crowd - thankfully it looks like this is our last Thursday of the year.

KPP looks to be out so we will probably move Hardaker to centre and bring either Abbas Miski or Ian Thornley in on the wing. Harry Smith will likely replace Leuluai and Singleton may come back in (although I'm not sure he deserves to). Bevan French is apparently very close to returning - not sure if Thursday will be too soon for them.

Is Lovodua wasted on the bench, too good to only play 40 minutes.

Connor
Wynne
Carlos
Griffin
Swift
Lovodua
Gale
Satae
Houghton
Sao
Ma'u
Savelio
Brown

Fash
Evans
Lane
McNamara

Very valid point and one a few have raised since his impressive performances so far, though be interesting to see how a fresh Lovodua would go coming on after say 20mins when his quick reaction and pace could catch a tiring marker or defensive line.

Looking forward to seeing that, but until we have better options at halfback, I think he has to play there, as it stands he is better in attack and defence than McNamara, so for me he plays 6.

Just a special mention to Johnstone. Thought he's played well this year in various positions. Never let the team down. Certainly upped his game

Personally don't agree, defends ok, but that's it, offers nothing in attack at SL level, slow, not particularly strong and very little creativity with ball in hand.

Well I'll always support whatever BH decides is best. Castleford apart he doesn't seem to have done too badly with his selections. However, I don't have a problem with others on here having a different opinion.

To be fair I don't think McNamara has done much wrong or let the team down in the absence of both Gale and Reynolds, I'd actually like to see how he goes alongside Gale especially when as has been reported Gales been influential in mentoring him since joining.
He's had his critics has McNamara and whilst he might not be a dynamic runner or one to catch the eye he has certainly got his head down, been solid and seemingly done as he's been asked by BH.

I would agree with that but think he will stick with McNamara at 6 even though its plain to see just how much Lovodua has bolstered the defence on the right edge especially when Mitch was also on that edge.
Both also provided fast follow up to kicks so our defensive field position was better as they usually nailed the receiving defender

I like this team, but think we'll go with McNamara in the halves and Lane at 13.

It's nice to have the option to mix it up with Lovodua. Something we've not had in a while.

I think Mcintosh will play too.

Gale is in for Macca and Evans is out,

Think TL will be a big loss for Wigan. Your side looks strong with virtually all first teamers available. Should be a good contest for viewers.

We'll be missing one or two, but it's the healthiest we've looked so far this season. Honestly I'd be disappointed to lose this game. I haven't been overly impressed by Wigan, I think we can dominate them physically, and Connor is in the form of his career and will take advantage if we give him the platform.

Wigan look like a Wane team again, very strong in defence and physical. Got some threats in Cust and Field too.

Be a real tough game, but with our squad we are capable of winning this