First team expected for this. Looking forward to seeing how the lads all get going.



Walker

Briscoe Watkins Hurrell Handley

Lolohea Myler

Cuthbertson Parcell Singleton

Ferres Ward

Merrin



Dwyer Peteru Crosby Smith Jones-Buchanan Sutcliffe

Furner has already said Ablett misses out due to ankle surgery.

Also no way Cam Smith shouldnt start in our 1st choice BR

Cam won't start ahead of that back row. He will be on the bench and for me that's where he should be all season long. He's got versatility and impact value.

Personally don`t think Watkins will play.



Walker

Briscoe Hurrell Handley Golding

Lolohea Myler

Crosby Parcell Singleton

Ferres Ward

Merrin



Dwyer Peteru Cuthbertson Holroyd Jones-Buchanan Sutcliffe



On the basis that Smith played last week and Holroyd deserves a shot

Agree re Watkins but think Sutcliffe will get the centre berth. Furner is an Aussie, after all, and I think he'll opt for the least-flappable option wherever one exists.

I hope we don't see Merrin wasted at prop. Be interesting to see if Golding plays 1st team or gets sent to Coventry. Given that he can defend and take a high ball, there is an argument for him to take the wing spot outside Hurrell. It's the pack selection which will be the real flag: we're minus Ablett but other than that, we should get to pretty much see what Furner has in mind.

Both will play this week either way with us having a game at Coventry on Friday night and then this one on Sunday.

Of course forgot about that.

Although I would like to see Holroyd play against a decent pack with no offence to Coventry.

For me it's his time to take a regular starting spot in the BR he's ready & playing alongside Merrin & Ward he'll have more than enough to look after him.

The likes of Ablett Ferres & Jjb should be bench/rotation players all are past it.

Not sure what impact Ferres, Ablett or JJB would have off the bench Mark to be honest.



I feel sure Ferres will start in back row with Ward and Merrin to be honest rightly or wrongly.



Personally I've no quibble with Ferres as others have.

My issue with Ferres is we signed an England BR & have ended up with an overweight average bit part player.

yes but to be fair, he looked unlike some to be digging in and havinga go last season, and by all accounst been pretty much fully fit in off season and in good shape. needs a huge, huge season or he is out next year, and even then not sure he will be with us, but needs to pay back the last 2 years.