Still got to earn a living though.

maybe, but most jobs dont depend on there shoulders, RL players are elite performers at super league level and if Atkins makes the pitch then credit to him.

Saw Snitchy in the learning zone on Wednesday and he looked pretty fit to me, so as he was the only injury worry and assuming he will play, who is Atkins going to replace because IMO none of those that played on Sunday did anything to warrant them being replaced this week.

I would always select Atkins in front of Martin at centre

i not so sure he will risk atkins this week, not that i privy to any inside info, just gotta a feeling we may leave him another week get him fully fit for salford tho

Even though Martin proved his worth on Sunday and Atkins hasn't even proved his fitness?

If Atkins is fit i am sure Kear will play him, get the points on the board now lets not take Salford for granted

He will be fit he did all pre season training and with a shoulder injury you can still be fit, atkins doesn't use his shoulders anyway in defence but in attack he will cause young Watkins all kinds of problems

In normal circumstances then yes I'd probably agree, however Martin was solid at Wigan and is a proven kicker. If he's fit I'd probably have Atkins on the bench and use him in the second row or as cover for the back line. ie if say Grix went off move Martin yo stand off and put Ryan straight in at centre.

How big an if is that considering that he was going to be out for months not so long ago? I wouldn't have any idea whether the injury was as bad as first thought or not, but I can't help wandering if they thought that this was one operation too many and have taken a chance on rehab as a means of avoiding the surgeons knife, but either way considering how the backs played at Wigan the least they deserve is the chance to back those performances up rather than being dumped in favour of a player who's fitness is in question. That was a tactic that sent our season t!ts up last year.

BTW, if you dropped Martin who would take conversions?

not on friday night i wouldn't, plus the goal kicking

But he got the injury through trying to tackle fatty Graham with his shoulder at Knowesley road

and if he isn't using his shoulders in defence that may be the reason why his defence wasn't up to standard last season.

He was trying to tackle Bryn Hargreaves rather than Graham. Still think he won't play at Leeds he's just the nearest play to fitness to include in the 19.

And your goal kicker is????

brad drew

If everyones fit from last week i'd let Ryan have another week off.

so would I give more rest time, and don't change a winning team

Dont underestimate young Watkins in the centre. The lad is pure class and at 17 is only going to get better. I know he is very highly rated by his fellow pro's and for those of you who went on Boxing day he was one of the better players on show !

without wishing to labour the point, how exactly does any rugby league player not use his shoulder in defence?

easy just stick a leg out

ahhhhh you mean the richie mathers school of tackling, my mistake....

yep

Scott Grix, kicked well at Fev in the friendly when Martin went off injured.

I agree, he is a raw talent but has all the attributes to be a very good player.

But having seen him twice, he is prone to errors (probably down to his age), so hopefully we will exploit this.

I would have thought Martin will be picked for his defence tonight.