I think that this will be a sterner test than some seem to think. I wonder whether Hardaker will play, that gash to the knee looked pretty bad. Saints are a different proposition with Wilkin in and will be keen to get a win to take a step towards securing a top 4 finish after a dire start to the 8's. I will be happy with any kind of win.

I'd of thought with staples and good padding it should be ok. even if he plays less in attack He would be a better option at FB that switching Watkins,given how well he and Briscoe are playing atm. If he is in the squad I'm sure he will be fit to play. This will be a big test and I think it's worth a little risk.

The first 30 will show how well our form is and the last 20 will show how well our stamina is after the Wembley celebrations.



Actually I hope the first 30 means the last 20 is irrelevant.

Of course this could mean a switch - Keinhorst into the back line, thats maybe why Handley was switched for Walters in the 19

I don't think anyone is thinking it won't be a tough game but I think people are a bit more confident about our chances in it than they were a few weeks back when we knew it was the post-Wembley.



Saints will be keen indeed but they still have to demonstrate that they've come up with a solution to stop our attack. Important to show that because it's looking like this could be a rehearsal for the playoffs with 1st vs 4th now that its gone all Jeremy Kyle over at Castleford.

If Zak was a doubt for the game then surely Ash Golding would have been promoted to the squad. After last week's training run I expect Leeds to come out and secure the LLS on Friday night and leave Saints worrying about their qualification for the play-offs.

Interestingly, Handley played full-back for the 19s at Cas, with Golding moved into the halves. I remain unconvinced by Golding's technique or desire defensively if he wants to be a full-back in the long term. He seems to do his best to get out of the way of making tackles at times.

I agree with you. Plus he has had about a full year now of full time training with the first team, and he doesn't appear to have gained any size at all.



The halves, and he did have a good game against Cas, might prove to be his future.

Have we not all learnt yet that the announced 19 isn't final? Hardaker, Watkins and Burrow are all doubts; Handley, Golding and R.Ward could all come in.

I would be surprised if Burrow played after the way he pulled up.



There has to be a huge effort from Saints on Friday, if they lose that means they have lost 5 out of the last 6 (I think?). Its season over for them surely with a total lack of momentum heading into the playoffs if they do secure a top 4 spot.



Unfortunately i think they might just edge this one.

Agreed also with Gilder here - only seen Golding in the 1st grade but a couple of moments ball in hand aside hasn't looked close to SL standard yet.

Did you watch the last Hull game? Best game yet at 1st team level.

Give the lad a chance for goodness sake.

He still looks better than Kieran Dixon.

I've no issue with kids making errors, being out of position or coming up with poor decisions. Even experienced pros do stuff like that - look at Ainscough at the weekend for Batley.



There are just times with Golding where he looks the exact opposite of Hardaker defensively, particularly close to the line. And that's against kids of his own age group. You can't play full back without at least looking like you enjoy defending.