Picks itself apart from 2 of Briscoe, Barron or Martin. Then Fash or maybe Salabio on the bench. But looks like Fash will be the on bench to rotate back row/Asiata …grim

Moy Barron Hardaker Rapana Martin Cust Sezer Herman Bourouh Ligi/Aydin Cartwright Lane Asiata Ashworth Aydin/Ligi Balmforth Fash/Salabio Kemp 18th man Prefer to see both Barron & Martin given the chance but we may well see Briscoe in there. We don't have too many options to cover SR with Holmes and Chamberlain out.

Moy Briscoe Rapana Hardaker Martin Cust Sezer Ese Ese Burough Sao Cartwright Lane Asiata Ashworth Salaibo Balmforth Aydin Go big against Catalans. 5 big front rowers, Aydin to spell Asiata when he needs a rest so we don't lose that intensity in the middle. Any chance of a result will depend on our ability to hold the ball and be disciplined, gifting them territory will only end one way.

Don't think we get a better chance, they look rusty and a couple if big forwards look unfit. A couple of key players out, whilst we are about fully fit. They still have to be favourites, but think we have a chance.

Salabio or Fash for last spot, Kemp, Westerman and Briscoe to miss out for me

Guessing it will be Fash, as he has played backrow in pre season. Kemp maybe there if Seizer doesn't recover.

Is no one giving Westerman a chance to start ? He has played both preseason games and kicked well.

[quote="steve_norton":30rnftpt]Is no one giving Westerman a chance to start ? He has played both preseason games and kicked well.[/quote:30rnftpt] Funny you should mention that as Logan Moy was at Total fitness earlier with Holmes, Chamberlin,Litten and Jebson.

If it’s going to be an arm wrestle I’d go backline of 1 Rapana 2 Barron 3 Hardaker 4 Briscoe 5 Martin All will help out the forwards and have a bit of size abou them, Rapana at full back for kick returns could be vital with his size and the way he runs the ball in.

[quote="RockNRolla":1stfu235]Funny you should mention that as Logan Moy was at Total fitness earlier with Holmes, Chamberlin,Litten and Jebson.[/quote:1stfu235] Doesn't bode well seen as that is our currently injured group, Rapana back to FB it is.

Could Martin have been given the nod over Briscoe on the wing? He has shared the squad news on insta and the club's also shown his intercept try v London last season.

Could be Barron to make way.

Weather expected to be dry and a pleasant 13 degrees at kickoff so this isn't going to be the usual freezing season opener and that may speed the game up a bit.

[quote="RockNRolla":3585x4of]Funny you should mention that as Logan Moy was at Total fitness earlier with Holmes, Chamberlin,Litten and Jebson.[/quote:3585x4of] FC just shared a picture of Westerman (amongst others) on a "round one ready" post on twitter...

[quote="Steve0":3ahxv511]Abdul had the no.6 shirt and was using one of our 3 marquee quota spots, we're now going into the season as a playmaker short and should anything happen to sezer/cust long term, cover is a bit thin on the ground...you could argue it's a bit of a disaster.[/quote:3ahxv511] Dont forget the payoff Steve Abdull was on a three year deal so likey he was given a minimum of 1 year payoff which would not be cheap, Holmes to me is looking to go the same way

[quote="RockNRolla":mya9eoz5]Funny you should mention that as Logan Moy was at Total fitness earlier with Holmes, Chamberlin,Litten and Jebson.[/quote:mya9eoz5] Holmes and Chamberlain at total fitness Thats a laugh

[quote="steve_norton":3en9zcgm]Is no one giving Westerman a chance to start ? He has played both preseason games and kicked well.[/quote:3en9zcgm] Like the look of Westerman Cant see him playing but when the coach moves Rapana to full back i think he will play a part this season

[quote="bonaire":17cnmq21]Dont forget the payoff Steve Abdull was on a three year deal so likey he was given a minimum of 1 year payoff which would not be cheap, Holmes to me is looking to go the same way[/quote:17cnmq21] Both pure guesswork like most of the drivel you post.

[quote="ComeOnYouUll":1njtrpfb]Both pure guesswork like most of the drivel you post.[/quote:1njtrpfb] Thank you for you usual rapid reply Reverend

Looking at the team from last years shambles of an opening game only Martin, EseEse, Sao, Ashworth and Lane expected to play a year later. That must he a new record for player turnover at the club?

[quote="UllFC":1323gx6m]Looking at the team from last years shambles of an opening game only Martin, EseEse, Sao, Ashworth and Lane expected to play a year later. That must he a new record for player turnover at the club?[/quote:1323gx6m] Think on that night EseEse and Ashworth were playing their first games for the club with Martin playing his second (I think). It's been player turnover by the revolving door over the past fifteen or so months. Have a feeling that revolving door may keep on spinning in the coming months.

Relating to Fash, he went backwards massively last year, apart from trying to be the hard man he just didn't look fit. Previously he was the most committed of the forwards, always giving 100%. Hopefully the new regime got him fitter & back playing to his strengths ? Lack of metres made or tackle busts always been a worry though. Fingers crossed for him.

If we play disciplined Simple rugby we can finish 7th Go fancy rugby next season please Just grind wins out this season with Skilled simple play

[quote="Tarquin Fuego":3ht123q1]If we play disciplined Simple rugby we can finish 7th Go fancy rugby next season please Just grind wins out this season with Skilled simple play[/quote:3ht123q1] Think you have it nailed (although not sure about 7th) we lack some creativity and pace, so we are going to have to tough out wins.

[quote="al283":18vc301c]Relating to Fash, he went backwards massively last year, apart from trying to be the hard man he just didn't look fit. Previously he was the most committed of the forwards, always giving 100%. Hopefully the new regime got him fitter & back playing to his strengths ? Lack of metres made or tackle busts always been a worry though. Fingers crossed for him.[/quote:18vc301c] That’s the main issue with him (when his discipline is okay), the lack of go forward. When’s he’s 1 of 4 props, we’re effectively a prop down.