Is it worth having him in the squad as he must be pretty rusty? Unless we're planning to spell him with Theo I can't see him lasting a full 80 minutes and wouldn't it be worth getting him a full 80 in the U19's match to get back some of his match fitness? He's been out for what, 2 months? Even elite sportsmen need time to regain match sharpness and an away trip to Wigan doesn't seem like the best comeback to me! I'd rather have him firing for the Catalans game where we've got a more than decent chance of winning.

Couldn't agree more

The best way for him to be match fit for the Catalan game is to play in the Wigan game !



Biggest question for me is how you fit Fages in? If Tomkins & Hood are both fuly fit does one of them drop out and Theo covers the half back roll and interchange hooker?



Great dilemmas to have again - the last 6 or 8 weeks since Easter have been pretty miserable

Kill or cure ?

BJB out again - maybe a swap with Charnley on the cards?

Is BJB injured ,or is there some other problem?

BF - I know he needs a game prior to the Catalans game but the Wigan one is gonna be physical and surely it's better for him to be "eased" back in for the U19's rather than a full blooded first tea game at Wigan where his chances of getting injured again are greater? I'm not a massive fan of throwing players straight back into the first team after a lengthy absence and we've seen the likes of Sa'u and J Griffin blowing out their backsides after 15 minutes recently in the same situation.



If he does start then then you have to have Theo on the bench as interchange and leave either Hood or Tomkins out.

Why?

You can't play 'open age' players in the U19's anymore can you?

I think the Cats game will be as physical. So we've no choice in avoiding that threat.

Erm... because he covers 6,7 & 9 and deserves his place in the 17?! I like Hood and Tomkins is solid enough but with all due respect Theo has done more than enough this season to not be shunted out as soon as Dobson comes back from a lengthy injury stint. I know Theo has some shortcomings but he's single-handedly had to carry the team round the park for the past 2 months and he's made a decent fist of it too.



I'll admit I like Theo and I'll be gutted if he goes but he's never given less than 100% in a Salford shirt and his performances warrant him staying in the 17 in some form. If you're telling me BOTH Tomkins and Hood deserve a place in front of him on merit then I would suggest you either don't go to games or you're a little bitter about Theo putting in a transfer request!





It's got nothing to do with reputations or names... it's purely down to performances.

Well if that's the case than fair enough but just goes to show what a mockery the RFL have made of having no reserve grade rugby. The jump from U19's to First Team is massive and I don't see why having a limited number of spots available for injured first teamers on the comeback trail can't be brought in. Similar to the likes of Robbo and Whiteside (Wendyballers for the uneducated) playing a couple of A team games back in the 80's early 90's before this academy stuff started off. IMO I'd be learning far more as an 18 year old playing alongside a couple of seasoned pro's than other "kids". Just my opinion of course but feel free to put me in my place!





HR - Yes I know the Catalans game will be physical... it's just that Dobson will have a further 80 minutes under his belt to prepare himself for that. Given his recent injury record I'd rather Dobson was eased back in rather than thrown straight back in at the deep end.