Bateman is ok and so is Flower according to Wane so it's interesting to see what we do. The big question would seem to be the wing/centre spots. We simply can't drop Manfredi but Burgess and Charnley did little wrong. I think I'd slot Bateman in at centre for Gildart. The lad has been excellent and I think he's going to be a top player but he was physically battered each time he got the ball last night and the lift in intensity these past two weeks has just got a little much for him (at such a young age and with him being so slight).

I'd go-

Bowen
Manfredi
Burgess
Bateman
Charnley
Williams
Smith
Crosby
McIlorum
Flower
Tomkins
Farrell
Lockers

Subs
Clubb
Mossop
Patrick
Powell

I agree that Gildart was physically dominated and that would be a concern to play him in the semi. Bateman is the safer option. It looks like Burgess isn't over that injury because he looks a shadow of the player he's been during most of the season. He looked to be struggling for pace at times. It would be a big call to leave him out of the team though as he's been the best winger in Super League this year.

I was surprised that Manfredi has been left out the team in recent weeks because he has always looked better than Charnley. Even though Charnley has improved and is finding some form again there was no way that he was a better option.

Crosby had his best game in a long time which was good to see and I thought Mossop has continued his upturn in form too.

There aren't too many selection headaches as the team almost picks itself now. The only issue is who plays in the centres.

I'd be surprised if Burgess plays to be honest. He could barely run.

Difficult to argue with that. Tough on Gildart and I'm not convinced Burgess looked completely comfortable at centre but the selection you have done there at least keeps Joel, Faz and Bateman on the field for the full 80 and keeps Manfredi in, who definitely can't drop out now.

Yeah, agree with all that. Gildart certainly hasn't done much wrong; he put his tackles in against bigger blokes and stuck to his task. Eventually getting over in the corner last night after being held up a couple of times lately must have been satisfying for him, and a just reward. But I expect Wane will go with Bateman (who, after all, we have to find a place for in the 13 somewhere!). The only doubt is Burgess. As said, he doesn't look either fully fit, or right at centre. So it's not impossible that we might go back to Gildart and Bateman in the centres. But not likely.

And I'd just like to say once again, ****** Thursdays!

Right, that's ticket bought, hotel booked. Just need to book train tickets (probably the best way to get there), and a day and half off work...

Burgess and Manfredi wingers with Bateman at right centre. Charnley dropped. Not ideal to have Gildart in there for such a big game but Gelling doesnt deserve a spot.

I know Burgess had a few assists last night but i thought that was more down to poor defending than anything else. He shouldnt play centre.

Waney's team selection will be vital for this.
Burgess didn't look fit last night, Gildart was overpowered and until the sin binning we were pretty unconvincing.
He won't pick Gelling so it's anyone's guess for the centre positions.
The rest of the team picks itself really.

I've got a feeling he will go with Bateman and Gelling at centres.
Cas definitely went hard into Gildart last night and he looked vulnerable. He will most certainly improve and actually I think he is ahead of schedule in terms of his positive first team appearances. A great prospect who will improve in next few seasons.
I said at the start of the season we would regret having not one quality centre. I sincerely hope I'm wrong on this as I'm usually wrong on most things.
I know Thornley wasn't SWs cup of tea but surely he was a safer prospect than Bateman or young Gildart. A very odd piece of business letting him go.

Yes Cas ran at Gildart thinking he might be a weak link. But he proved that he wasn't vulnerable at all! Thornley was a revolving door in defence at times and Gelling? Well would you seriously risk him in such an important game when he has proven to be a liability on so many occasions. Hudds would certainly target him! Gildart has earned his place for me and has shown that he has the attack you want from a centre. Sure he is not the finished article yet but he has earned his place and I think SW will keep him in the team. "If you are good enough you are old enough!".

I reckon that dropping Gelling has been a calculated kick up the arris by Waney.

Gelling and Bateman back at centre on Thursday.

But good to see Gildart these past few weeks. Another youngster blooded by Wgan. He didn't let us or himself down.

I totally understand your points but I just have this sneaking feeling that SW will go with Gelling primarily because Huddersfield will be relentless in their attack on Gildart if he plays. Whoever plays it could be a pivotal decesion by SW.