So Friday at home to Salford. We need to get off a good start in the 8's. Do we rotate or keep the team as is? Looked like Mini was struggling at the end and Albo went off so maybe a couple of enforced changes.

If that's the case, Thompson in for Mini, Connor for Kelly, Maybe give Ellis a rest or a bench role too. We have the chance to rotate a little bit now over the next few weeks, fully fit squad and a strong position in the top 4, with Wembley the immediate priority.

Today will have taken a lot out of Salford and with a day less to recover, plus with us being at home, the 2 points *should* be ours.

Play the strongest team possible.

We need to win on Friday. Lose and immediately our play-off hopes take a blow. This time last year we lost to Cas due to a semi-final hangover and we don't want a repeat.

I'd bring in Tomo, Turgut and Fash. Start with Connor somewhere.

Big game, don't see us making 2nd as would have to win 2 more games than Leeds and our game against them after Wembley is a write off.

Think we need 4 more wins to finish in the top 4, so hopefully at least 2 wins before Wembley and 2 after, personally fancy us to win 5 games.

The way Mini was hobbling after the SF I'd doubt he'll play on Friday so Thompson or Turget come in for him. If Kelly has an ankle problem the Connor slots in to partner Sneyd. If Ellis is fit then no need to rest him as he should be fresh after so long out.
For me it's the same squad baring injuries against a Salford side that looked very tired and have had one less day to recover than us.

Why is the game against Leeds a write off?

Look at the date, hard enough game, but the RFL have done us no favours there.

Looking at the first 3 weeks games it looks as though Sky have made up their minds who they want in the GF, as Cas and Leeds are on the first 3 weeks

Essential for a win on Friday. Can see Wigan beating Leeds on Friday and a win will take us to within a point of them and then they will get a bit nervous

Is Michaels fit yet ? Agree need to rotate those carrying knocks, Matongo & Downs also should be considered.
Not advocating wholesale changes only where needed, we can now rely on our 'back up' far more than previous years, suggest NONE of those mentioned have given up on a Wembley spot yet so will be busting a gut to impress.
Sadly somebody from Saturdays master class will pick up injury, illness or suspension in the next month - really doubt we can keep nearly everybody healthy that long.

Think Kelly has a sternum injury actually which he said afterwards was not a 'Biggy' Mini is a worry though and Sneyd had a foot problem (not the foot he had the trouble with though the other one)

Pretty sure Sneyd won't play after I walked past him today. Bit of a limp.

c.newsnow.co.uk/A/896373647?-17210:2417:3

c.newsnow.co.uk/A/896373647?-17210:2417:3

For me its

Shaul
Fonua
Griffin
Carlos
Talanoa
Kelly
Connor
Taylor
Houghton
Watts
Thompson
Manu
Ellis

Washbrook
Green
Fash
Turgut/Matango or Michaels to wing and Fonua to centre depending if Griffin used from the bench for his size down the middle in absence of Bowden

Freshen it up a bit for me. Important game the week after so rest as many as we practically can

Don't think Salford will fancy this game much , if we are to rest anyone , probably the game to do it , wouldn't go overboard though , certainly give michaels a run out , never lets us down and IMO unlucky not to be a starter anyway, fonua back to centre , michaels to wing

Playing the strongest team would be to rest those that are carrying knocks/fatigued and playing the squad members. Remember the Warrington game last year when Radford played a side that was minus "£1million (sitting in the stands)" so lots of 1st XVII players out and beat a near 'full strength' Warrington team who'd also played 3 days previously.
A lesser player that is fresh/not injured is more valuable than a senior/better player who is carrying an injury/fatigued, it also means that those senior players can be used for the games when it really comes to crunch and have more of a chance of being nearer 100%.
Radford got that wrong last year but this year has being much much better.

I think we'll give salford a spanking tbh.

Washbrook will start 2nd row IMO Thompson from the bench. but agree with the rest

Important we win this and a chance to put a bit of daylight between us and the chasers. I think saints and wakey will lose, giving us a further 2 point cushion. I don't think salford will make the 4 come the end of the season.

Salford will be hurting after last week, and we have a wrong to right after last time they came to the KCOM. Need to punish them early on.