I'd have had Sam Tomkins in both squads for the first 2 games but McIlorum got first go at the back up hooker(or halfback if Sam was chosen) role and took the opportunity with both hands. He was excellent on Friday night and rightfully so has made S Tomkins have to wait his chance.

Looking at the 19 I would say my biggest concern is that we know at least 3 of them are carrying knocks.

Hopefully the players will be fit to play on Friday night and it wont come back to bite us on the bum.

I would still have liked to have seen Sam given a run out for this game though.

No Sam T again

Assuming all 19 are fit to play:

FB Amos Roberts
RW Pat Richards
RC Darrell Goulding
LC George Carmont
LW Shaun Ainscough
SO Tim Smith
SH Thomas Leuluai
P Stuart Fielden
H Mark Riddell
P Eamon O'Carroll
SR Harrison Hansen
SR Sean O'Loughlin
LF Joel Tomkins
S Iafeta Paleeaesina
S Gareth Hock
S Phil Bailey
S Michael McIlorum

I'd bench Bailey because he's so slow it's irritating, if players run straight at him he'll knock them down all day but run to the side of him or ask him to do anything in attack and he's no chance. If Prescott was in the 19 man squad I'd have him on the bench and drop Bailey all together. If Riddell is fit to play it's fair that Sam Tomkins isn't in the squad because McIllorum earned his place last week.

I hope he plays Ainscough. I didnt go to any of the friendlies but if Pryce is nowhere near match fit then we have to give Ainscough a go.

I can see Noble bringing back Coley.

It would be interesting to know how many people on here have actually watched Sam Tomkins, other than in the one off friendlies and cup game?

I'm not saying he isn't ready, but if things are as bad as we all think it will not be long until he becomes Nobby's (or anyone else's) go to man.

Anyone who's watched him consistently will know that he will be patient, and when his chance comes he will demonstrate is ability.

So basically everyone needs to stop getting their knickers in a twist.

And then no-one gets a pass

I have seen him in a few reserve games and what annoys me the most is the standard of the reserve grade is very poor barring obviously Saints and Leeds. He is wasted at that level and needs some minutes of a good NL1 standard or Super League in order to progress. I am not building him up I just think at the moment he is going to waste. At 20 years old he is not a pup and should be being tested at a good level in order to further his development.

What I would like to see,

Richards
Roberts
Goulding
Carmont
Ainscough
S. Tomkins
Smith
Fielden
Tommy
Eamon
Hansen
Lockers
J. Tomkins

Feka
Prescott
Hock
McIlorum

What we will probably see,

Roberts
Goulding
Bailey
Carmont
Richards
Smith
Tommy
Fielden
Piggy
Coley
Hock
Hansen
Lockers

Feka
Tomkins
Eamon
McIlorum

I would be suprised to see Goulding on the wing.

See my post earlier, i have a feeling it is nailed on. Hope he proves me wrong.

At least Goulding will realise how annoying it is to be a winger who doesnt get a pass

Same here

ainscough is starting so id expect pryce to miss out

richards
roberts
goulding
carmont
ainscough
smith
tommy
feka
riddell
feilden
hock
bailey
lokkers

McIlorum
tomkins
hansen
o caroll

is what i think it will be

How do you know this information ?

few friends within the club

I hope you are right with this one

Fantastic news if true!

Can't wait to see the lad at super league level.

Are you a mate of Gaz Hocks?

me too. playing inside carmont. will be interesting to see if its Amos or Pat on the other wing.

think it may be Pat at fullback this week

me either. gutted im missing it friday due to work comitments, he definatly deserves his chance.

yeah hes a mate of mine.

It'll probably more than likely be Roberts with Pat to fullback.

No Richards or Phelps tonight then. Pryce starting - according to the team sheet from radio Manchester.

Roberts
Ainscough
Goulding
Carmont
Pryce
Smith
Leuluai
O' Carroll
Riddell
Fielden
Hock
Tomkins
O' Loughlin

Feka
Coley
Hansen
McIlorum

Can't believe Pryce is starting.