Huddersfield Wednesday night 23rd Jan I think at BV.

Tempted by the Newcastle match but assuming that will for the most part be the fringe/younger players?

Has a kick off time being confirmed for Boxing Day kick off

11:30 . Got my ticket today.

Thank you

Can’t see us getting much from this game - will all be about Leeds players impressing their new boss - personally I wouldn’t bother with an overly strong team, not worth the risk.

I’d go

Hooly
Kershaw
Arundel
Jowitt
Reynolds (purely to keep fit)

Hampshire (see how it goes and mix with Reynolds)
Brough

Crowther
Anakin
Kirmond
Hirst
Randell
King

Horo
England
Pauli Pauli
Academy 1
Academy 2
Academy 3

Not a strong team but not insulting either - actually quite a testament to our depth, I’ve seen us have first 17’s weaker than that.

Left out certs Fifita, TJ, Lyne, Tupou, BJB, Ashurst, Batch, Arona, Huby, Miller, Kopczec, Wood.

Can't see Leeds going full tilt at this either. The new big hitters are unlikely to feature for more than spells in the first half.

Why are you leaving that group out?

LYne and TJ due to internationals let them rest a bit more.

The rest because I think you’ll get a better result if yo play these lads in thefriendlies nearer the start of the seaon - its subjective I know.

The Boxing Day game isn’t a true pre season warm up game - it sits oddly in the middle - it’s also a local derby and I think fringe players have to show their true potential in these games, decent crowd etc etc.

Friedlies are always a risk but when your still selling season tickets why risk your star assets. Let’s see what others can do. Just my opinion.

The only one I’m not sure about if Fifita, he may need as many games as he can get but I don’t know his situation.

Agree 100%

Tuesday 22nd of January at BV, 1930 ko.

Get as many first teamers in this game as you can , it’s all about generating interest and revenue for both clubs. Put two poor teams in and the crowds won’t turn up , by all means put some youth in but has to be bulked out with plenty of first teamers . Been looking forward to this game a while .
Nothing friendly about playing Leeds both teams will be looking to turn the other over

Boxing Day is always a mix of youth and experience.
Typically, any players that have been on international duty dont play (certainly not for Leeds, anyway).

However, it's always a good game over there and this season, Leeds will be busting a gut to impress Furner.
As long as the sides are "even", it should be a decent game, even if it is only a "friendly".

It will be a first as I've never known either team put out full teams but the crowds keep coming.

Gets me out of the house!

TJ didn’t play any international games so doesn’t need a rest

And there was me thinking that he played against France. Fact is he'll have been training along with those that played against NZ so will have had hardly any time off, just like your bff Makinson, will he Jebrone you obsessed plonker



Seriously mods how is this WUM allowed to have another obvious account and still go around on the wind-up as before. The dude offers absolutely nothing to the forum.

Agreed. This version of Lebron and My Mate Ronnie (Sir Kev Mark II) are just stinking up the V.T. but you can't call them out for being WUMs or trolls without being banned yourself



Anyway, back to Boxing Day. Looking forward to it, wonder what' combinations Chester will start with.

I shouldn’t bite but France is an international (just). More importantly he was with the England team and training hence he had a shorter off season - do you understand?

I thought he might get board and go away as it was such weak trolling but alas he forced my hand.

*bored

Lol. Typing on my phone.

Both look strong squads from where I’m looking ,but what do I know

They do but tbf it usually isn't the case. Leeds, in particular, used to regularly rest quite a few, generally because of them having players on international duties and let their younger players play and we did similar to a lesser extent.
I think Leeds haven't this time because their squad isn't as settled and have a number of new players fitting in and a coach who will want to have a good look at them. Obviously, for a fairly competitive game, we've gone a similar route. I think both teams are missing around 7 who'd be in and around the matchday squads.

I’d add in the new South Stand full opening will have played a part in Leeds naming a stronger squad and hoping for as good a crowd as possible.

Like you mention, Internationals, also often finishing the season a couple of weeks later due to playoff action and thus returning to training later (the numbers we had back in training in November significantly up on usual) and less older players like Peacock, Leiluau, Sinfield, McGuire were not usually asked to play given their age and how long the season lasts.