I think Rover's have a more balanced and settled squad than us and was surprised to see them bring in the Frenchmen rather than give fringe players an opportunity. With Walker and Hall available again and home advantage I would expect them to be too strong for a Hull side which is still developing and has 2 props, Griffin and Swift unavailable. As long as we continue to improve and give them a bloody nose, I'll be happy.

We've got a new resolve last couple of months let's hope we do the same Sunday.

Still think they will be favourites to win, they are at home and still have a decent side out, we don't perform as well away from home this season.

Having Hoy and Sutcliffe back would be a massive boost to our chances.

Probably a must win if we want to keep our slim play off hopes alive.

Pretty fair summary, we really lack any real size in the 17 especially when missing Taylor & Griffin on top of releasing Evans and no replacement. Would have been nice to get Ashworth in early but not sure Watson was happy for that to happen given their struggles below us.

Would like to see Staveley, Gardiner & Laidlaw start getting some game time but TS seems to have certain levels/standards no matter who you are that need to be attained in fitness & attitude etc before that can happen. He doesn't seem to waver on that for anyone which is what we've needed from a head coach so every player knows the score.

I never enjoy a derby game and form goes out the window, think Rovers edge it especially at home but with the pairing of Trueman & Clifford and the desire the players now show its certainly hard to call. As long as we start well and with the speed and intensity we showed against St's then we have a very good chance of coming away with the win. Start poorly and cough up ball, give away needless penalties and restarts and we will go home empty handed.

Sounded like Smith will drip feed some youngsters in soon. Going off his post match interview anyway.

Think Rovers will edge it Sunday. Home advantage.

Think we have the edge 1-7, whilst they have a better pack on paper. So it's up to our pack to get on top and give Hoy, Trueman and Clifford the platform to play.

I think the young players will get a chance the more the season goes on, injuries will happen and if (hopefully not) we are too far away from the playoffs, then those players will get their chance.

Hopefully Taylor will be back to bolster the pack. Massive boost if Sutcliffe back and Swift is passed fit too.
Don't think we'll see Lovodua again and have a feeling Dwyer will be back on the bench.

If all fit.
Hoy
Mac
Tuime
Scott
Swift
Trueman
Clifford
Soa
Houghton
Fash.
Sutcliffe
Savelio
Cator
Subscribe
Taylor
Satae
Lane
Dwyer

If Sutcliffe is back I'd swap him and Scott around. Might seem harsh on Scott, but Sutty is the better centre.

Not sure about Dwyer on the bench either, does he stick with McNamara?

Not a bad shout if all fit with Sutcliffe in SR especially with the way Scott is playing at the present time, though I think Scott has the makings to be a decent SR so possibly swap. Not sure about Dwyer as he started off the first few games well but not done that well since and not sure he actually improves the 17 with his poor reads and options he takes.

Would like to see Balmforth given the opportunity but know that's unlikely going in to the derby but just think for the 10min cameo appearances by Dwyer of late, giving Balmforth that chance wouldn't be too big a risk in that sense, though I can see TS going with McNamara on the bench instead.