Workflow fields on node creation...help!

Hi group....I've run out of ideas to search for, so I'm hoping any of you might be able to help.

I have set up a workflow for a CCK node type with only two states: "Requested" and "Read". Workflow NG provides email notifications beautifully. I am trying to hide one of the CCK fields in the node creation step using the Workflow_fields module.

I have set up the permissions on the Workflow_fields module to show the field in question only during the "Read" state, but not on the "Requested" state.

My problem is that until the node is actually submitted, it does not change from the default "(create)" step to the "Requested" state, and thus the Workflow_fields module has no effect when I need it.

Since Workflow_fields does not allow to set permissions on the (create) state, is there a way to make a node "skip" the (create) state (I.E. be "born" in the "Requested" state)? If not, can any one point me in the right direction as to an alternative way to do this?

Many Thanks!

Simon