Remember heading into the Semi vs Wigan in 2012 and having doubts about having Kirke and Griffin on the bench but TBF both those did their part on the day. With Ward and Lunt making up the bench then on that day, the side on Saturday will look pretty similar to that Wigan game.

Whilst a lot can be made of the regular season form of the likes of Bailey and Kirke, they've usually done a job when we've won those big games over the years. With Warrington perhaps looking like a bench of Asotasi, Wood, Monaghan and Myler then their bench big guys-wise isn't really up to much either.

Put it this way, our sub props aren't going to be where the game is won or lost.

I don't think either bench will look too imposing on the day.

If it is Monaghan for them, he has been a real danger in the past in short bursts especially off a quick play the ball but he is getting on now and the Wire pack is not quite as dominant as a couple of years ago so hopefully we should be able to keep him quiet enough.

I just hope we can match the wire pack enough to get our three quarter line going this week.Its been said many times its the best in the league and for the first couple of months it looked that way but has been off the boil a bit of late for varying reasons, but a line up of that class can't be kept quiet forever and it's overdue a big game.fingers crossed it's saturday.

You're completely wrong there in my opinion!

If our props don't win their battle then we will lose the ruck and Warrington will destroy us. There will be a point where Bailey/Kirke will be facing Chris hill and co. If for even 10 minutes Warrington get a quick ruck they will do some damage, we need to be on them for the full 80 and not to rely on JP and Kylie for the full 80 either. That is the starting point of winning this game. If we can be evenly matched down the middle and get control of them then throughout then I believe we have the most experienced halves and the better backline to see the game out. But losing the ruck will be a momentum killer and that is the front rows job to get a hold of throughout.

I have a feeling his point, at least I think so, was that Peacock would be on for the majority of the time, therefore the subs wouldn't be as important as the starters. I would agree with that. But still think you are also correct, as we should not be as reliant on the one prop as we are.

I actually think we have probably a better chance of controlling the ruck when Bailey and Kirke are on than when not. Both do very good work around the middle, slowing the play the ball down, as second or third man in. What they do both lack is consistently good go forward

I actually don't think JP will leave the field, especially with having last week off. It will be the trainer that gets told ' P!$$ off I'm staying on' throughout the game.

Not a bad thing really. Or maybe have a rest after about 55mins, would probably get the best from him

This season JP has come on for the first 30 minutes or so, been substituted to return after 5 or 10 minutes of the second half.
Giving him 30 minutes playing time, 25/30 minutes recovery & the final 35/30 minutes playing time.
Kylie tends to be rested earlier & come back later & so have shorter playing time.
I'd be surprised if the coach strays much away from this pattern.

Not saying they won't have to do a job but it won't be a key deciding factor.

The likelihood that both are on are the same time with BOTH Leuluai and Peacock taking breathers together is very unlikely anyways. Also Hill himself will need his breather so you don't know what time he'll be off the pitch for Asotasi who the Wire fans think has been rubbish for them.

Also as Eagle pointed out, defensively both are USUALLY sound so they don't really add a concern there for me, more so it's the go forward. However with one of Peacock/Leuluai still on the field and also the likes of JJB/Delaney/Ablett on the field then we should still have enough on the pitch at any given time along with Burrow darting around from dummy half.

Walters played for the under 19s last night apparently.
Very harsh on the lad.
But why did McDermott play the lad? What if one or two players pull up with injury or illness? Meaning Walters has to play two games in three days? He should be ready and fresh should such any misfortune occur.

Kirke has been poor when he's played barring the ST's CC game & bailey hasn't been much better either.

Poor recent form or not they will be on the bench both for size and the fact they have been there done it and got the t shirt

Sadly I think you are correct - typical McDermott

If Burrow starts then with a bench of Aiton, Bailey, Kirke and Ward I don't think the bench in total will get many minutes. Like you said Peacock probably will do the 80 and the back row trio of JJB, Ablett and Delaney will all do big minutes with at least one of them doing the full 80 as well.

In fact if Aiton is on the bench I struggle to see how they'll use him as I can't see McDermott taking off Burrow or McGuire. Bailey may well interchange with Delaney at loose/3rd prop if Peacock is doing the full 80 so rules out Aiton playing a kinda loose forwards extra tackler role as well.

Aiton will start.

Why would you waste a bench spot with a third hooker? better to play a second row than Ward?

Stevie, I am presuming.

I thought he was done for the rest of the season like Clarkson

Bumped this, this is my quote about the team selection, nothing about McGuire being dropped Sal.

Big difference between this is what I think McDermott will select and this is the team I would select - would you not agree?

Ok quote the post I said no McGuire then IF it exists

You found where I said I didn't want McGuire in the team in the semi final yet Sal???

Thought not

Life is too short better things to occupy my time tbh

Life not too short to make false accusation though..eh Sal?

My selections for the semi (from page 4 of this thread)

Bully for you