So this exiles game. We have Sam Tomkins, Joel Tomkins, Thomas Leuluai, George Carmont, Pat Richards and Sean O'Loughlin involved. Far less than expected. With the derby soon after I wouldn't bother with any of them doubling up at Cas.

Go to Cas with perhaps....

Matty Russell, Amos Roberts, Stefan Marsh, Darrell Goulding, Josh Charnley, Paul Deacon, Brett Finch, v, Mike McIlorum, Lee Mossop, Ryan Hoffman, Harrison Hansen, Liam Farrell
Bench: Dom Crosby, Chris Tuson, Jeff Lima, Logan Tomkins

Not a bad team and I'd rather lose and rest players than win and flog the exiles involved lot if I'm honest.

Thoughts?

EDIT: Just seen Coley out for three weeks apparently.

Someone has posted below that Coley will be out for three weeks.

Bring in Dom Crosby?

I'd made the change before you replied. To be honest I'd half had thought give him this match as rest as well. I'd proper send that team and challenge them, bit like Huddersfield (A) earlier this year which ranks up there with Hull (A) last year as one of my proudest nights as a fan.

If Sam plays full back in the test game i would play him but rest the others.

I think Madge will expect them to back up tbh. Whether that's right or not Im not so sure, but he wont want us taking our foot of the gas while the balls in our court with the game in hand.

I wouldn't play any of them against Cas, too risky.

We can afford to risk this one match, there's plenty games left in the season.

How many Cas players are in the exiles game? Presumably at least Chase will be there, in which case they're severely weakened anyway.

Chase will probably back up though as they will struggle without him?

If so he'll be far from fresh and won't have the impact on their game he normally does.

Having said that I remember Wigan playing something silly like 10 games in 12 days once. I was only a kid so not clear on the details, but we did enough in those games to win the league. Modern players are wimps!

Its difficult with it being 2 days later.

I'm amazed that the 3 England internationals last year played the next day, but with a 'rest day' in the middle I'd be surprised if a couple didn't back up.

I'm all for a couple of the youngsters getting a game though, espeically with playing that lot the week after.

I seem to remember Madge giving them the option, and they all volunteered to play. Barring injuries, I expect the same again.

I think he'll ask them to back up as well but I just don't think we should because the Saints match is on the Friday. We've a good squad, let's use it! Sadly I live in hope on that one.

We will have been aware of this in Pre season and I am sure that the staff will be tailoring the training to accommodate this hectic period. My view is if they are fit to play it would be a major risk resting all of them, its a case of balancing the squad and utilising the full depth, not just in this period but where possible in the build up to this period as well.

Lockers backing up last year was a big factor in the Derby a week later IMO. I know it was an unlucky injury, but if he'd have had a rest then he'd have played against Saints.

I really can't see George playing all 3 games in 7 days.

I remember Madge saying in interview last year that he left the decision to the individual players. Problem is, would you want to be the one who says he doesn't want to play?

I'd play Sam but rest the others.

Well that's it but I just think Madge shouldn't put them in that positon this time. I think it's a different situation.

Last year when the test was played, we had a 4 point lead at the top of the table and the Saints match was a full 7 days after Wakefield. That 4 point lead took the pressure off mentally which is what I worry about more than physically.

This time the Saints match is only 5 days later (and away as well), plus we will embark on a big run of games after that v Hudds, Leeds, Cas (midweek) etc.

THIS.


Come on guy's we all remember the 'mission impossible' season, this is playtime compared to that. Strongest side possible please.

Give Lockers and George a rest. Bring Goulding to centre and Liam Farrell at loose. Barring injuries, Sam and Joel I should think will play.

Although i would like to see Matty Russell given a run out, he's sensational!

And Pat should back up, he's fresher than the rest anyhow.

I think it'll be a case of those who want to back up, do so. But if any of them have the slightest of knocks or tweaks they shouldn't play.

I'd be more concerned with Lockers and Carmont backing up, as opposed to the Tomkins brothers. Purely because of the age of George, and the amount of work Lockers get's through in the middle of the park.

Still I'd like to see a few youngsters get a chance. Starting this week with Crosby against the Dragons.

Didn't the club (during the Dorahy era) take a weakened team to Cas on an international weekend and get a right pasting? I think it was a Sky game.

Guys...you must have short memories! Remember the Barrow cup game recently...perfect opportunity to rest a few of those carrying injuries / needing a break..but no...we played our strongest team possible and put 50+ on them?!!

If anyone thinks Madge will 'rest' players at Cas away given the example he set at home to Barrow you must be deluded!!

They did and lost 46-0.

The team was: Andy Craig (Debut), Danny Ellison, Joe Lydon, Gary Connolly, Paul Stevens (Debut), Nigel Wright, Craig Murdock, Kelvin Skerrett, Martin Hall, Andy Platt, Neil Cowie, Sam Panapa, Mick Cassidy. Subs: Kris Radlinski (Debut), Ian Gildart

the exiles squad should have had one from each team then to take it upto the 17 let the fans pick, it isnt fair having 3 and 4 players from one team playing in the exiles then more for england. There shouldnt be any league games that weekend imo

If they feel they can play then let them. I expect to see all but Carmont back up.