Jury is still out on Houghton IMO. I'm not sure what he brings to the hooking role is sufficient enough to warrant a bench spot, considering the current strength of the squad. If Berrigan is fit enough to handle it I would play him for as much of the 80 as possible and just give him a breather using Washy who also covers other positions and is therefore more valuable as an interchange.

I agree with what you say he is more useful interchange wise. btw has Washy played a pre season game yet?

Played in both IIRC. He spelled Houghton at Hooker in the derby and played SH at Sheffield.

Washy could cover 6 as well if Horne takes a knock. A player who can cover 6,9 and 13 so well should ensure he gets a bench place.

I guess we will see how the game against St Helens goes as its on TV you can study the players more.

Also against a *Fully strength side*

He can cover those positions with QUALITY, which is why he should be in ahead of Whiting every time.

Whiting covers other positions than those that Washbrook does. I think Washbrook should get in over Houghton for the start of the season because he has been better than Houghton in pre season (he has played a bit of hooker) and has more versatility to boot. Washy on the bench is a very useful proposition. Whiting has also played very well in pre season and should get the nod over Turner and Hall especially as we will need good defensive performances from both centres at Saints.

isnt it great to have choice for once

not sure if its been mentioned but i heard on radio that every game the weekend we play saints every one exept harlequins has an x factor contestant performing before the game, is this true and if so who have saints got?

That's the thing. People have been demanding all off season that Agar picks players on form and not reputation. IMO Whiting's contributed the most of these three in the 2 friendlies and has therefore earned the shirt for the Saints game.

Well I hope it is that Jamie



his hair do was crazy, he looks like Lauaki's brother

www.sporthull.co.uk/headlines/HU ... ticle.html cant wait for this game roll on saturday

www.sporthull.co.uk/headlines/HU ... ticle.html cant wait for this game roll on saturday

tansey
calders
turner
yeaman
briscoe
washy
long
dowes
houghton
radford
manu
burnett
fitzgibbon

berro
luauki
cusack
o'meley

18th man whiting

7 sleeps.

Like it mate but i reckon whiting may start,and washy wont start with long.

well i'd play to the conditions a bit with washy at 6, will the conditions be too heavy for horne? surely he'll find a spot for turner? i agree re whiting, hes been very good in the trials and for my selection would be very unlucky to miss out.

its a tricky one and agar, as a coach, has the chance to lay down a marker for the season with some astute selections in the correct positions

i would think with a bit of tinkering about during the season, injuries permitting, that all of the squad (except the younger kids) would be able to get in 20 games or so this year and agar should tell the ones omitted for next week that their time will come throughout the season.

we really could be in a position to keep the squad fresh throughout.

It's like a powder keg ready to go off and i just love Longy's fighting talk.

www.saintsrlfc.com/news/2268 Just got this from the Saints site.

www.saintsrlfc.com/news/2268 Just got this from the Saints site.

1. Tansey
2. Calderwood
3. Turner
4. Yeaman
5. Briscoe
6. Horne
7. Long
8. Dowes
9. Berrigan
10. Radford
11. Tickle
12. Manu
13. Fitzgibbon

14. Moa
15. O'Meley
16. Lauaki
17. Whiting

So many decent players to miss out. Washbrook, Houghton, Cusack. It's a shame you can't have a bigger bench like in football.

dunno but they have subo at hooker , or is it cunn.....

i thought it was jack black

don't - I can't stand it...

Only 6 now

It's the FINAL COUNTDOWN!!! ♫ dada daaa daaa, dada da da da…





You'll be singing, humming, whistling or playing it for the rest of the week.

A real "ear worm"