Any bloody excuse!

Edited this for accuracy.

I think Smithy will be at Full Back as McDermott had previously said that Zak is getting a rest when talking about Chisholm playing.

Webb and Delaney wont be playing either.

At least McShane can show how good he is when he comes up against Wakefields new signing Danny Buderus.

I wouldn`t be suprised if he plays him off the park and you would never have guessed Buderus was playing.

Is Smithy gonnaturn up like he means it this season? I hope so as on his day he's a very useful player. Since his return from Union though we've seen nothing like his best!

Interesting to hear the coach fitting in to the Headingley PR machine so seamlessly, by describing the Boxing Day game as an important part of the team's pre-season preparations.



Clearly, given the number of players being excused from taking part in it for one reason or another

Richard Mathers will be playing for Wakefield as he has just signed for them on a season long loan.

He's just been on Yorkshire Radio saying he's not ready and is 7wks behind pre-season training so he's hoping to play against Catalans or Cas!!

Says on article on wakey site that he could be in line.

Think mathers has been training in gym (weights etc) but has been excluded from ball skills/team strategy sessions with cas.



He may play but may not be fully up to speed with the teams game plan, language, plays etc. ( can't believe I said wakey actually may have a plan and some plays)

In fairness, I think these friendlies do have a certain role in getting players ready for the new season. Which isn't to say that I think the result matters or anything, but for players who haven't been on international duty, I don't think any training session is a substitute for a match for blowing away some cobwebs.

And blowing off some of the sprouts.



That's one thing I miss, Danny Ward going through the motions in these festive games. Now he's retired maybe he could squeeze himself into one of the shirts?