2 days Ago
However, if things on the injury front remain unchanged from his last briefing, he looks set to welcome back a key member of his squad – which could present an interesting selection dilemma. Burgess affirmed before the Huddersfield game that second-rower Lachlan Fitzgibbon would feature against Les Dracs as he completes his recovery from the shoulder surgery that ended his 2024 campaign early. Given putting him on the bench would disrupt an interchange unit that worked well in Round One, it would seem likely any return would be from the start.
In his absence at the John Smith’s Stadium, new signing Dan Russell and academy graduate Adam Holroyd started in the edge forward positions and both performed solidly. Both featured highly in the team’s tackle charts – Holroyd’s tally of 40 was bettered only by Danny Walker (44) and Ben Currie (41) while Russell completed 37 hits. Adam Holroyd in action at Huddersfield (Image: Neil Ashurst/P&B Pictures) Holroyd had the edge in terms of ground gained with the ball – he made 48m compared to Russell’s 43 – and despite being nine years his junior, he also has more first-grade games under his belt.
Given Fitzgibbon tends to operate on the left edge, however, a simple straight swap would leave him vulnerable. Russell has had more game time across pre-season and the first two competitive matches than most of his teammates having featured in all four matches thus far, and appears to be growing into his role. Dan Russell made his Super League debut on Sunday (Image: Neil Ashurst/P&B Pictures) Both will have big roles to play throughout the season, but Friday night could be an indicator as to who has caught Burgess’ eye the most in the back row to date.
If you were Sam Burgess, who would you choose to play alongside Lachlan Fitzgibbon in the back row on Friday should the Australian be fit to play? Cast your votes in the poll below.
