RD 16 | St Helens (A) : Mon Oct 19, 2020 12:22 pm  

Now the CC has been completed, we can focus on the league. Although a top 4 finish would be nice, it is going to be tough given we have 6 fixtures remaining to be played over 17 days: i presume the Catalan match will not be re-arranged.

For me, I would like to see Walker, Tindall, Broadbent, McLelland, Holroyd, Walters, O'Connor, Mustapha & Smith to be rotated in and allowed to play alongside relatively strong sides.

For Friday, I would go:-

1. Myler
2. Briscoe
3. Hurrell
4. Broadbent
5. Handley
6. McLelland
7. Gale
8. Holroyd
9. Leeming
10. Oledzki
11. Mellor
12. Walters
13. Prior

14. Dwyer
15. Smith
16. Seumanufagai
17. A. Sutcliffe

For Cas (three days later), I would go with:-

1. Walker
2. Tindall
3. A. Sutcliffe
4. L. Sutcliffe
5. Handley
6. Lui
7. McLelland
8. Seumanufagai
9. Dwyer
10. Holroyd
11. Mustapha
12. Martin
13. Smith

14. Leeming
15. O'Connor
16. Donaldson
17. Oledzki

I would like to see all players evenly rested and all players given a good opportunity.

Re: Saints v Leeds : Mon Oct 19, 2020 2:48 pm  

You've put some thought into those selections!

To be honest I'd expect us just to put out the strongest possible side on Friday, and then rotate who we can but use the "other" team for Cas.

We do have one of the strongest squads in the comp, and I think the second side has a real chance of jagging a W or two before the end. Some squads are going to fall apart now with this regularity of fixtures, and every club is going to have the cherry pick those games they are investing in winning.

If we are in the play-offs at all come the end, but with a healthy squad I'd be happy with that. I do agree that some of the youth needs a shot playing in the first team side but it'll be a question of timing. I don't think Agar was taking risks with his selection for the CC final put it that way.

Re: Saints v Leeds : Mon Oct 19, 2020 3:58 pm  

I hear DP is moaning again that Cas have 3 fixtures coming up with very little turnaround.
Funny you would think they are the only team who have been dealt that hand.
If I`m not mistaken our next 3 fixtures are worse than theirs by way of rest time.
We could be looking at 3 losses and out of the play offs by the end of the month.
5th place finish and a cup win is more than most of us would have expected at the start of the year though.

Re: Saints v Leeds : Mon Oct 19, 2020 4:10 pm  

I would play the 3 that lost out Walker,Holdroyd and Smith against Saints.

Re: Saints v Leeds : Mon Oct 19, 2020 4:32 pm  

Strongest team available v saints as they've a normal turnaround. Smith and holroyd in for Cuthbertson and A Sutcliffe. Rotate some for mon especially forwards and walker in.

Re: Saints v Leeds : Mon Oct 19, 2020 8:24 pm  

let RA decide he's done it for 17 years

Re: Saints v Leeds : Mon Oct 19, 2020 8:31 pm  

doc-rhino wrote:

let RA decide he's done it for 17 years

That’s what will happen but I’d play the second team again and then try and win the games v cas and 2 v wakey

Re: Saints v Leeds : Mon Oct 19, 2020 8:51 pm  

You’d want to judge how much the players tipped in emotionally and physically on Sat, plus any injuries.

Very tactical for these remaining fixtures.

Re: Saints v Leeds : Mon Oct 19, 2020 9:27 pm  

They need to pick up wins after dropping against cats and wire (understandably) if they want to do anything then competing with saints is key. Wins v cas/wakey more possible rotating given how they're going

Re: Saints v Leeds : Mon Oct 19, 2020 9:36 pm  

Really confident we'll lose this one so I'd go with the kids plus 3/4 first teamers to at least be competitive.Walker,smith and holroyd hopefully in contention and at the very least one proper hooker.