I think that this will be a sterner test than some seem to think. I wonder whether Hardaker will play, that gash to the knee looked pretty bad. Saints are a different proposition with Wilkin in and will be keen to get a win to take a step towards securing a top 4 finish after a dire start to the 8's. I will be happy with any kind of win.

I'd of thought with staples and good padding it should be ok. even if he plays less in attack He would be a better option at FB that switching Watkins,given how well he and Briscoe are playing atm. If he is in the squad I'm sure he will be fit to play. This will be a big test and I think it's worth a little risk.

The first 30 will show how well our form is and the last 20 will show how well our stamina is after the Wembley celebrations.

Actually I hope the first 30 means the last 20 is irrelevant.

Of course this could mean a switch - Keinhorst into the back line, thats maybe why Handley was switched for Walters in the 19

I don't think anyone is thinking it won't be a tough game but I think people are a bit more confident about our chances in it than they were a few weeks back when we knew it was the post-Wembley.

Saints will be keen indeed but they still have to demonstrate that they've come up with a solution to stop our attack. Important to show that because it's looking like this could be a rehearsal for the playoffs with 1st vs 4th now that its gone all Jeremy Kyle over at Castleford.

If Zak was a doubt for the game then surely Ash Golding would have been promoted to the squad. After last week's training run I expect Leeds to come out and secure the LLS on Friday night and leave Saints worrying about their qualification for the play-offs.

Interestingly, Handley played full-back for the 19s at Cas, with Golding moved into the halves. I remain unconvinced by Golding's technique or desire defensively if he wants to be a full-back in the long term. He seems to do his best to get out of the way of making tackles at times.

I agree with you. Plus he has had about a full year now of full time training with the first team, and he doesn't appear to have gained any size at all.

The halves, and he did have a good game against Cas, might prove to be his future.

Have we not all learnt yet that the announced 19 isn't final? Hardaker, Watkins and Burrow are all doubts; Handley, Golding and R.Ward could all come in.

I would be surprised if Burrow played after the way he pulled up.

There has to be a huge effort from Saints on Friday, if they lose that means they have lost 5 out of the last 6 (I think?). Its season over for them surely with a total lack of momentum heading into the playoffs if they do secure a top 4 spot.

Unfortunately i think they might just edge this one.

Agreed also with Gilder here - only seen Golding in the 1st grade but a couple of moments ball in hand aside hasn't looked close to SL standard yet.

Did you watch the last Hull game? Best game yet at 1st team level.

Give the lad a chance for goodness sake.
He still looks better than Kieran Dixon.

I've no issue with kids making errors, being out of position or coming up with poor decisions. Even experienced pros do stuff like that - look at Ainscough at the weekend for Batley.

There are just times with Golding where he looks the exact opposite of Hardaker defensively, particularly close to the line. And that's against kids of his own age group. You can't play full back without at least looking like you enjoy defending.

If Burrow doesn't play I don't think it's a certainty that Robbie Ward will get picked. For an opposition like Saints, McDermott is more likely to go tried and trusted and happily have Sinfield stay at dummy half for the full 80 and just add another forward to the bench (Keinhorst) and rotate the forwards around more. Not sure he'd trust Robbie Ward to be defending in the middle against the likes of Walmsley and Masoe.

I did and agreed - albeit it had little in the way of competition from what I've seen - the defensive frailties were still a concern. I hear he's a future star (perhaps in another position he will be) but I've yet to see it at this level.

The 19 is meant to be official so it is unlikley that players outside of the 19 are named in the 17.......

Whilst it was a friendly he looked very very good against SL opposition on boxing day. Then there's his man of the match displays against his Australian counterparts at Academy level. I think he's a star in the making BUT it may not be at full back as but that may have more to do with Hardaker blocking his path, hopefully, for years to come.

Not true at all

Correct, was it Walters that played against Huddersfield in the challenge cup this year that want named in the initial 19?

Burrow, Hardaker and Watkins all due to have fitness tests tomorrow. It's a unique situation don't recall ever seeing 3 of the initial 19 replaced before.

So the 19 is just a thrown together list regardless of the team picked to them......Not true at all. You have to submit a 19 by a certain time in the week prior to games. Hence it is unlikley for players to be named outside of that 19, I said unlikely, it does happen, but its not a regular occurrence, so I would say somewhat true..... appreciate the other comment in your message.....wait....

Wasn't the 19 man squad announcement thing made after the Long/Gleeson betting incident when both of them knew Saints would be sending an under strength side to play Bradford?

The 19 named gives you a general just of what the team will be but players can be included if other guys are legitimately ruled out through late fitness tests. If Leeds had named had named their strongest possible 19 vs Hull the other week then just before kick off announced they're resting (not injured) 3 or 4 players then they might've got into trouble.

Personally I think both Hardaker and Watkins will make it. Could've easily kept Handley in the 19 from last weeks squad if they weren't likely to play instead of dropping him for Josh Walters.

Golding started out as a scrum half I think and has the skill set to play in several position. To be making negative judgments on the lad when he has only played a handful of SL games is ridiculous. IMO he is a future star I have seen natural running and passing skills and a heads up awareness well in advance of his years. That's the class part which is the most important. His defense can be improved on the training field, I am sure he is a first teamer in waiting, The position will depend on where he gets his chances to stake a claim. He was out for some time with a back injury (I think) so his development has been held back this season.

Only commenting on what I've seen of the player at first grade level and setting that against some rave reviews coming through the juniors ranks.

It's a tough environment, players need a big heart to survive. Not sure I'm seeing that in Golding just yet, admittedly from limited opportunities.

I wouldn't have expected a ready made SL fullback from an 18 yr old with very limited SL game time. They have to be allowed to make errors at this age which they will learn from. But he has shown confidence in backing himself on attack with some lovely touches