WITH Warrington Wolves still missing a raft of forwards, Ben Murdoch-Masila’s return to the fold is a timely one.
The Tongan powerhouse has completed a two-match suspension for his sin-binning against Huddersfield Giants on August 15.
Refreshed after two weeks off, the second rower is ready to go and Steve Price confirmed he would be involved somewhere – but where?
Here, we look at the options for Murdoch-Masila’s return…
Ben Murdoch-Masila's only appearance since the restart was against Huddersfield on August 15. Picture by Mike Boden
STARTING LOOSE FORWARD
Stefan Ratchford did a sterling job at loose forward in the victory over Hull FC last week, making 48 tackles and picking up three Man of Steel points for his display.
However, against a sizeable Castleford pack, Price may want to take the route of having more power down the middle.
That would mean Ratchford moving to a position much more familiar to him – into the halves to replace Declan Patton or full-back in place of Matty Ashton.
Could Stefan Ratchford move to a more familiar position tonight? Picture by SWPix.com
RIGHT SECOND ROW
All of Murdoch-Masila’s starts this season have come on the right edge and after clearing up the niggling injuries that plagued him last season, he has proven himself to be able to play long minutes in the second row.
Toby King filled in there last week but this would allow him to move back into his more usual position of centre.
That would present a difficult dilemma for Price – Jake Mamo has performed excellently in the centres in the past three games while the head coach has praised Anthony Gelling’s work when starting.
Toby King could move back into the centres. Picture by Mike Boden
OFF THE BENCH
The forwards who played last week – including three debutants in Leilani Latu, Ellis Robson and Ellis Longstaff – all performed admirably and came in for deserved praise.
However, Murdoch-Masila would bring undoubted impact against a tiring defence either through the middle as an auxiliary prop forward or in the second row.
His inclusion on the bench would likely be in place of either Robson or Longstaff.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here