Looks like John Bateman is close to returning. Can't come soon enough.

Much as I appreciate Willie Isa, his limitations have been rather exposed over the last few weeks and Bateman has been our best player over 2015 and 2016. We've really missed his desire and will to win.

That would be good news if he is back sooner rather than later, we have definitely missed his go forward and his bit of mongrel that he has. I can't help feel sorry for Willie Isa he's the modern Ged Byrne if you like, he can play in numerous positions but doesn't stand out in any one of them.

Isa is very underrated IMO. He isn't going to make a break out of nowhere like Bateman or Farrell but he wacks them hard and acts as a bit of an enforcer when it gets tasty. A useful player to have in the side given salary cap restrictions.

If we can possibly get some well overdue good luck with the spine of the side when they return over the next 3-4 weeks and keep them in place for the year, we might have a chance of getting back in the mix with a run of wins.

Tomkins, Williams, Leuluai, Mcilorum, Bateman, O'Loughlin - stick that lot into the team and we will add a huge amount of quality and leadership.

I do agree with this.

I wasn't intending to criticise Isa, just pointing out that compared to Bateman he is very limited (though to be fair most players are).

Heard an interview with him, I think it was on wish fm, he said he was hoping to be back for the Leigh game, 8th June.

Can Gregson goal kick? Otherwise can Tierney? Got a faint memory of him kicking once.

I've seen Gregson kick for the U19s a couple of years ago, he wasn't bad from what I remember.

Lockers doubtful for Swinton with tight calf. Williams possible, fitness test on Saturday. Via club twitter feed from press conference.

Aye with Gregson in and Powell out.

Guessing the lesser injured of Williams and Lockers will partner Gregson.

We could do with both of them starting the match tbh. Hopefully get a decent lead by HT and then rest them.


I don't think we'll see S Tomkins this year and with Escare out that leaves us with a problem IMO. I don't fancy our chances of winning anything with Tierney at FB. Davies and Marshall look much safer under pressure, I think once Gildart & Gelling are fit we should look at converting one the young wingers to FB. I'd rather get Burgess back out wide and leave him there. He's too much of a weapon to not have on that edge when he's linking up with Williams and Gildart.

Why do people keep saying this?

Genuinely curious as the last word from the club is that he's in great shape "like a new man" and due back early?

He seemed fine and dandy at the BBQ last weekend.

Baffling isn't it? I can't wait to see him and I'm sure the club said they're hoping to shave some time off his predicted recovery period?

I predict Sam will return this Sunday

I couldn't wait to see him either but I don't think it's going to happen this season. It won't be when the current recovery period ends.

I can see Swinton fancying their chances this weekend, we really are under the pump!

We really do need Micky Mac & Williams in there if Lockers is not selected (bloody knew he would come back injured)!

They said he had a calf injury after the Cas game but would travel anyway.

Fingers crossed he's not made it any worse. I'm a big believer in international rugby but it's the last thing we needed really.

Christ - Wane says on the website end of June for Sam and Bateman! Was hoping it would be the end of this month!

Which website?

Club website

Looking at July before we have something like a strong team on the field then.

Things could be very tough to pull back by that point unfortunately.

I can see us picking up only 3 wins max before July - Wakey (maybe), Leigh and Hudds (maybe). We'd then need to win every game in July to get close to the top 4.

Better start praying for an easy cup run (and a win against Swinton)!

I'm not sure this Swinton game is a gimme unfortunately

I don't think we win a game in May except for maybe the CC and that isn't a certainty. Not sure how the bookies will see that one.
If we are not in the top 4 at the end of June I can't see us making the top 4.
The number of injuries we have is crazy and to expect us to achieve much in such circumstances is a little illogical even in such a poor competition with perhaps Cas excepted.
I'm just hoping we can nick a win at Swinton and I'm praying for a non SL team in the next round to salvage a bit of hope for the remainder of the season.
Not being overly pessimistic just think that the injury list is too deep and too extensive particularly with no goal kicker and very very limited front row options going forward.