In a far from convincing performance by England I don't think Shenton looked any better or worse than most of his team mates. Though he must take a fair bit of responsibility for the 1st French try when he failed to put a decent tackle on Greenshiels allowing him to offload to the tryscorer.

He barely got an opportunity to run with the ball, receiving it only occasionally and invariably in a position with the defence right on top of him, though he's had plenty of practise of that with some of the passes sent his way by the likes of Goldy this season!

I'm caught in two minds about whether he should play next week. On the one hand I don't see why he should be singled out to be dropped on the back of last nights effort and it's not as if there's a compelling alternative to put in his place.

On the other, Australia's current test centres - Inglis and Hodges - are 2 of the best they've had in a long time. Remember how Shenton went against Senior at Headingly this year and imagine that multiplied fivefold!

All professional sportspeople are incredibly positive and there's no doubt Shenton will have it in his head he would love the challenge of facing up to the best in the game. But next week could be one of those games where anyone not selected for England could improve their future prospects by not being associated with the game!

Look at Shenton record of playing against Senior scored loads trys against him and believe it or not but Inglish known in ARL for not been the best tackler and micky has an even advantage over Inglis he faster than him and Inglis will not be used to that.

But they will be on opposite sides, Smith will be up against Inglis, Shenton up against Hodges, going by what i saw in the 2 matches, if of course they get selected.

smith has played shenton on both the left and the right(whichever way most of the play isnt going it seems) so we cant know who will be up against who.

Very true, he did switch Shenton in the Welsh game when Bridge came on, but Smith always plays on the right for Leeds. Going by other peoples comments on the forums they dont want Shenton in, Ellis, Bridge or Eastmond to play there instead but all seem confident in Lee Smith.

It's because he's a Cas player. If he was playing for Leeds or Saints, everyone would want him in.

Can't say Shenny's put a foot wrong in any of his games for England. He's hardly stood out, but nobody has

Shenton is named at centre for Saturdays game.

Quote: castigers13 "Shenton is named at centre for Saturdays game.'" England team to play Australia in the Gillette Four Nations at Wigan on Saturday: S Briscoe (Hull KR); T Briscoe (Hull FC), Smith (Leeds), Shenton (Castleford), Hall (Leeds); McGuire (Leeds), Tomkins (Wigan); Morley (Warrington), Roby (St Helens), Graham (St Helens), Ellis (Wests Tigers), Peacock (Leeds, capt), Sinfield (Leeds). www.therfl.co.uk/~therflc/superl ... p?id=15800

Quote: castigers13 "Shenton is named at centre for Saturdays game.'" England team to play Australia in the Gillette Four Nations at Wigan on Saturday: S Briscoe (Hull KR); T Briscoe (Hull FC), Smith (Leeds), Shenton (Castleford), Hall (Leeds); McGuire (Leeds), Tomkins (Wigan); Morley (Warrington), Roby (St Helens), Graham (St Helens), Ellis (Wests Tigers), Peacock (Leeds, capt), Sinfield (Leeds). www.therfl.co.uk/~therflc/superl ... p?id=15800

Was a bit fed up of the number of people behind me slagging off shenton last Friday. what did he do wrong that the others didnt?

I thought he had a decent game too, but can't say I heard anyone slagging him off where I was sat, although many of those around were Cas supporters, maybe those who watched on TV could give their opinions and let us know what the pundits had to say about him. Have to say that Tony Smith must have thought he did ok to select him again.

He did nothing wrong buddy, i'l tell you why they will have been slating him, because he doesn't play for Leeds Rhinos, Saint Helens or any other "popular" club.

And to you who was slating the guy, give him a break. He deserves that spot and even if he's far from greatness yet, you need the experience to get there. Cheer on your country for gods sake!!!

Well said that man. Just hope shenny gets some ball though this weekend.

Im abit fed up too of folk slagging of Shenny. He made 21 tackles on Friday, more than the aussie or kiwi centres on saturday.

He will be up against Hodges, who is a great ball handler but isnt as bigger
threat than Inglis.

I think Shenny will do ok, he can raise his game against
better opposition....good luck Michael!