As we are getting close to the middle eights I suspect he will be keen to start Siejka, and that Mullaney will play full back. Surely Matty Blythe has to be getting a run out and Henry has to be most under threat. Some interesting options in the backs and half backs. I feel that Mendieka has done enough to start with Addy as insurance on the bench.

I would honestly say that Uaisele is the weakest of the Wingers/Centres. He just seems to go down far too easily and doesn't run directly enough for mine. I guess the counter-argument is that a Henry and Blythe combo might be a bit lightweight.

Yeh I understand we probably won't see him until the regular season is almost over now. As long as he is fit for the Middle 8's then I'm not too concerned.

19 man squad:

Adam Henry, Adam O’Brien, Adam Sidlow, Adrian Purtell, Dale Ferguson, Danny Addy, Danny Williams, Epalahame Lauaki, Etu Uaisele, Harry Siejka, Jake Mullaney, James Mendeika, Jay Pitts, Jean-Philippe Baile, Matty Blythe, Paul Clough, Ryan Shaw, Steve Crossley, Tom Olbison.



Id go.



Shaw

Williams

Purtell

Henry

Uaisele

Mullaney

Addy

Sidlow

O'Brien

Clough

Olbison

Ferguson

Pitts



Crossley

Lauaki

Mendeika

Blythe



rest to miss, bit wary of Mullaney as he is just back from injury but only other option is Mendeika at 6 with Baille on bench, rather not rush the injury returns back just yet

Eight matches left. Next five should be winnable without Gaskell. Last 3 are probably a bigger challenge and should we still be without him then let's hope we are safe in the top 2 by then. Maybe the news blackout is necessary regarding how bad his knocks are as he would be likely to receive extra ' treatment' from opposition players when he returns. Recently he seems to have had his fair share of suffering. I'm hoping he makes a swift recovery but maybe it's a great opportunity for someone else to run things.

we also have Peterson who i have seen yet to play, Jimmy must have a big plan for the rest of our squad

I thought we had a bit more structure with Siejka and he was definitely improving. Having said that our performances in the last month have probably been more complete. I've gone with,



Mullaney

Uaisele

Blythe

Purtell

Williams

Mendieka

Siejka

Sidlow

O'brien

Clough

Ferguson

Pitts

Addy



Crossley

Lauaki

Baile

Olbison.



I've kept Addy on the pitch as he gives us a bit of organisation and a kicking game. Mullaney is our best full back, Siejka is a scrum half and Mendieka a stand off so in the absence of our best player it might be best to go as close to how you would if Gaskell was fit. . If Mullaney pulls up. Mendieka can go to FB with Addy filling in at 6.

One mistake I thought Jimmy made was bringing Mullaney straight back in when he pulled injured again (against Sheffield?).



I'd go;



Shaw

Uaisele

Henry

Purtell

Williams

Mendeika

Addy

Clough

O'Brien

Sidlow

Olbison

Ferguson

Pitts



Mullaney

Baile

Crossley

Lauaki



Blythe and Siejka miss out. I've noticed whenever we get players returning to the squad they tend not to play unless necessary so that's why I've only gone for Mullaney. We should have more than enough if we stop cocking about trying to score on every play.

I think Uaisele's age and experience helps Henry, Adam certainly seems more consistent and less likely to brainfart.

I can't see Jimmy bringing Blythe in and then not using him. If he wasn't going to play then he'd be at Oxford with the other guys. He'll definitely be in the 17 I think.

Tbh I probably would pick him but I was trying to second guess Jimmy! I'd also be happy to try a Mullaney and Siejka half back partnership but I doubt Lowes would go for that.

I'd imagine that if Siejka is fit then he'll play tomorrow, especially as Gaskell is out Lowes won't want to be playing many games without either first choice 6 or 7

Talking of half backs.....Sammut has left Wakey. Where next ???

Meant to be going to Workington. Although I've heard Leigh mentioned as well.