All I can think of is that maybe Brown is worried about Carlaw's defence. The Panthers have shown they can rack up some points recently and maybe Brown thinks its better to stiffen up the defence and take that option away from them. Scoring points on the Panthers shouldn't be a problem its stopping their attack which is where we will win it. If you were Martin Lang you probably would target Carlaw as he would be the weakest link. Not that his defnce is even that bad but I have noticed at times he is slow to turn around and chase kicks etc.
It would not surprise me if Brown has some trick up his sleeve, like Gasnier. I do think that one of the props won't make it. 5 props in the team is too many and would leave us too slow when we have to play one in the 2nd row during the game. When we have played Poore, Sims or Kite in the 2nd row during games I don't think it has worked at all. As the effect of loosing a player to injury during a game can turn a match I would be more inclined to play Bailey in PL to get a game under his belt. Although possible, it is very unlikely we could be eliminated in the first week of the finals.