The Shield final between Torfaen Tigers and Bolton Le Moors will complete the day's programme, kicking off at 5.15pm.. "I know all the players have a great respect for Steele and I hope the fans turn out in numbers to see him reach this milestone," he said.Widnes' chances of sustaining their push for a play-off place when they play St Helens are weakened by Jules O'Neill's absence with a knee injury that could finish his season, plus the possibility that Paul Sculthorpe could return for Saints.Wigan will expect to improve their points difference at doomed Halifax while in the struggle to replace them in Super League Salford are at home to Leigh in the match which will decide which of them goes into the National League One play-offs in first place.The Conference grand finals have been switched from Cheltenham to Warrington and put back 24 hours to a week tomorrow. "I try not to dwell on the uncertainties."One certainty is that Trinity will finish next to bottom, regardless of their last four results. McNally hopes to have Jamie Rooney and Brad Davis back at half-back to face Hull, but he too sees Smith as a pivotal figure. "He makes them a different team, but they have a lot of good players," he said.London's game at home to Bradford tomorrow will be Steele Retchless's 171st for the club, equalling Steve Rosolen's record, and his captain, Mat Toshack, wants to make it one to remember. If he stays healthy, it makes a big difference to us."McRae also has Shayne McMenemy back seven weeks after he dislocated his elbow on his debut after signing from Halifax. He replaces Richard Fletcher, who needs an exploratory operation on his knee.It has been a turbulent week at Wakefield, who have released three players and an assistant coach, and remain non-committal about the future of their head coach, Shane McNally "The club are making some hard decisions," McNally said.
"He's been absolutely fine, which is a bonus for us after his problems this season," McRae said. "The other point is that he is fresh, because he hasn't been through the rigours week in and week out. Jason Smith holds the key to the rest of Hull's season as they try to continue their revival at Wakefield today. Smith's return last week marked the end of his side's losing streak as they overran St Helens, so his coach, Shaun McRae, was a relieved man when Smith came through without any adverse reaction. I'd like to play everyone on the first two days unless there is a very good reason not to.". "I don't think it is fair, especially on the rookies, to throw them into the cold water on Sunday. "The strongest 12 will make the team and that's what we need to beat the Americans."Langer, who next month will visit Oakland Hills to see how the course is due to be set-up, has decided to wait until next summer to appoint his assistants, perhaps suggesting they will be active players with a chance of making the team.As for everyone playing prior to the singles on the Sunday, Langer was adamant.
Five players will come from a table of cumulative world rankings points, earned at any event around the world, and five from the traditional money list from events on the European Tour.The change was brought in after Sam Torrance, the victorious captain at The Belfry last September, had to pick Sergio Garcia and Jesper Parnevik as his wild cards when both were rated as two of Europe's highest performers on the world rankings."I believe the best players will be in the team and I will not have to waste my picks on two of the best guys who should be in already," Langer said in endorsing the new system. "If I was having one of my best years and was high up in the points then I'll consider it," Langer said "I have not ruled anything out. It is too far away."Langer's logic is straightforward and not motivated by any hint of personal glory in equalling Nick Faldo's record number of appearances. "We need the top-12 players and that is the priority," he said "But it would not be a last-minute change. It would be months in advance."Langer was speaking less than a week before what he called the "qualifying modus" begins at the European Masters The 12-month system now includes two qualifying lists.
