Can we see TS bringing Hodgson back into the side after Ratchfords brilliant display against Leeds? a potential briers suspension could see him moved into the halves...hopefully the RFL give briers a pat on the back and let him go about his business.

I think he deserves the chance to establish himself now as the clubs first choice full back.

People will argue that we need Hodgson chiming into the line, but 40 points against Leeds suggests we don't have any problems creating and scoring try's without the third pivot.

Ratchford is the better player these days.

Hodgson is a class above Ratchford. I would pick him everytime.

I am sure Hodgson would even do an excellent job in the halves & his goal kicking could be a match winner .

Ratchford all the way

In a big game like that its a no brainer: Brett Hodgson.

If Tony Smith leaves out Hodgson for a knock out semi final and Warrington lose then that will be a massive call that Smith will be castigated for for the rest of his career: and unless Ratchford is man of the match people will say that that was where we lost it.

I like Ratchford and think he's got big potential but in a big game you cannot have Hodgson on the bench or sidelines if he is fit.

Brett for now & Ratch for the future.

Ratchford, and I say that as a Brett fan. Rathford is bang in form and we need him in the starting 17 - his broken field running and zip from acting half gives him the edge over Brett's ability in the line for me.

If you need to accomodate both then Stef would have to go to centre in place of Bridge but that negates alot of his attacking play. Not convinced by him at stand-off.

Same applies with Myler, no room for sentiment I'd stick with Grix and Lee in the halves (availability permitting).

It's a tough question. Brett is quality and has big game experience. Ratch is raw but can pull a trick out of the bag and returns the ball with good meters gained. Even if Ratch doesn't play at number 1 he's got to be in the 17.
The issue could be solved should Briers get banned. Even though he has the option of an early guilty plea. I'm just not so sure our friends at the RFL will accept him just get to g a fine.
#Pray4Briers

This isn't about leaving Ratchford out. He is quality at centre and he was also useful at stand off at Salford so its not a decision of Hodgson or Ratchford, why choose one or the other if we can have both?

Also what happens if Briers is banned and Ratchford plays 6 and we win. Do we then leave Briers out for the Grand Final?

How very dare you

Although we know The Lord Tony Smith is not a man for sentiment. Just ask Myler, Grix and Carvell.

If fit Hodgson has to play full back, no question. Grix is a far better 13 than 7 too. Ratchford can play centre or in the halves. Great problem to have!

I was thinking this, Ratch & Myler in the halves & do a great job in the Semi Final eliminator should TS stick with them?

For me to have a fully fit Lee Briers sat in the Stands at O/T would be tantamount to............ well I don't know what but I can't even contemplate it.

In that event, I would never be able to forgive TS whatever the result. We lose and it's his fault for not playing Briers, we win and he has cost Briers (possibly) his last chance of a GF winners ring. The whole scenario is just so unthinkable

The selection should be motivated by the question "what team selection maximises the chances of a Warrington win". It shouldn't be about reward for a player playing well in the last game.

Ratchford is first choice fullback for me now. Hodgeson is a great goal kicker and is a great link when attacking the line but that's about it nowadays. Ratchford is much quicker and poses a threat when returning the ball, he give's great forward momentum when he comes in at dummy half with his off the mark speed and is a real threat in open play.

my head wants to say put Bert back in, my heart is sayin stay with ratch though. Bert's superior link up play gives teams s on the edges, ratch doesn't run as direct totem the same.

though ratch's quick play the ball runs into broken field can open teams up, Bert does it, but again 've seems direct scooting.


Stefan loses out on goalkicking.


how many errors has he made while playing fullback? I can't recall that many, certainly not inexperienced or playing out of position errors like TomKins does.


the goal kicking aspect, itself makes me lean to hodgo

I believe Hodgson is considering a move to French Rugby Union, he doesn't believe his body will stand up to another season in SL. He has had 3 head tests since he was concussed v Widnes seems to have taken the stuffing out of him.

Wonder how long it will be before Chris Hill scrum caps are compulsory for all players.

Wouldnt be a bad idea for Hodgson or Gaz O'Brien.

Hodgson at f/b.
Ratch in the halves if Lee and Richie don't play, otherwise at centre in place of Bridge.
Grix at 13 or as sub and Coops missing out.

Hodgson for me if he's fit

Sorry Bert but Ratchford for me, I'm glad I'm not having to pick for real