We don't have any real knowledge on the subject matter, medical, or personal, but in principle I agree with you Bobby....instinctively feels 'right'.

Whilst I understand the need to test it out prior to the GF, (ha ha) another couple of week's rest and recuperation with runs out v Huddersfield and London surely wouldn't do any harm and while he's been great for us, and probably first pick all things being considered SR isn't a position that we've been suffering with.

This, but also, wouldn't start him from the bench and waste 2 interchanges

I have a feeling we won't see Fitzgibbon tomorrow (which means no doubt he'll play). I don't think it's worth it and certainly not from the bench.

Can understand the hesitancy around it, but for me, if he's fit he plays, if he's not fit (or wont be till next year), save him for a game that really matters.

If he starts on the bench he goes to backrow when Currie comes off and Bateman moves to the middle - shouldn't be wasting a bench spot that way?

I agree, mainly in relation to getting him match-fit. Let's not forget that he has played just 65 minutes of rugby in three months, and there are only four games to go before the play-offs. He needs to get some decent minutes under his belt ASAP.

If fitz is full fit (touch wood) bateman becomes a bit of a luxury, he's been better at back row, wasn't as good as a middle(imo) unless we're going to change the bench layout (9 and middle replacements) and the way we interchange (subbing back rowers) we've done that a bit but mainly end of games, comfortable leads

He’s only had one game at 13 though right, and that was his first game? He's improved since then and will have a better idea now you would think on positioning and plays etc. for me the back row should remain as Fitz, Nicholson and Currie, with Bateman on the bench to spell Currie and provide cover for 3, 4, 11, 12 & 13. He takes Crowthers place on the bench.

Burgess said he gave Fitz an extra few weeks to take the pressure off his comeback. He's been in full training for at least 2 weeks, if his shoulder is going to go it doesn't matter who we play.
He needs match fitness running in to the playoffs, if he doesn't play it will be harder each week until he does.

I don't think Fitz is going to be fully fit at all this season, I hope I'm wrong, but if not, I hope SB has learned from Wembley and doesn't risk him in the playoffs or the GF - if we get there!

If Fitzgibbon is fully fit, the second row spots are himself and Bateman. With Nicholson at 13, Currie to take a bench spot over Crowther. Bateman is showing game on game improvement, if he continues, then his form going into the playoffs and his experience in knock out rugby will only help Wire. Currie in the bench gives more options in covering various positions which he’s played before. Am starting Nicholson, I just think he offers more in attack with the lines he runs. Picking up the tries as well something he has done more than Currie this season.