southportcdm wrote:It looks like Sam T will start at 1 but play at halfback for at least some of the game (he's included Morgan but not Jake Shorrocks)which is promising.
I agree it looks like that, though I do hope he actually goes with Escare to start and Tomkins in halves. Powell or Tommy on the bench gives us adequate ability to change it if wanted, yet it's still not as much of a hit to the bench in the event that things don't need changing up, as undersized hookers tackling in the middle will want breaks anyway ideally.
I agree with your sentiments on the friendly situation. The only caveats I would add is that we probably had to book the trip a little in advance so if a player is in question but not ruled out for Hull then you need to make that call earlier than later I suppose on how likely they are to play, and the earlier you make the call, you'll be doing it with poorer quality information. Plus, for Bateman and O'Loughlin, they've had no warm up action, so a spell - but not full game - v Souths if they are then fit isn't necessarily the worst thing.southportcdm wrote:I must admit though if any of the players are doubtful for the Hull game I wouldn't take them to Aus. The Hull and Warrington games are the important ones not the South Sydney game. If they're not fit to play Hull surely they'd be better avoiding all the travel to increase the chance of them playing at Warrington. Some of the 'fringe players' may benefit more from a trip to Aus for a friendly. The friendly should be used to try things/rest any injured players it's not a win at all costs match.