It depends what you want from your half back. If you want to play to a structure then I'd definitely choose Widdop over Chase. For instance, I think Chase would be wasted, and might even be a liability, at Wigan since their halves play to a system which is partly why Green and Smith fitted in so well (the other part being they're good players, well coached). If, as at Cas, you're prepared to build your team and play around Chase then he'll do well.

Seen much of the average Widdop have you?

Psssstttttt - not everything NRL is shiny and god like!!

Widdop fits into the England structure better than Chase. Widdop has never been given a start to show what he can do.

Why wasn't he able to show what he can do when coming off the bench?

If Widdop wanted selecting, he didn't do his own case much good with his performances against Australia and Ireland.

You want it, step up and grab it. Don't wait for it to be handed to you on a plate.

Clearly the tough mentality of the NRL hasn't sunk in yet.

In general, players aren't given a start - they earn it. Widdop hasn't.

What did either Sinfield or Chase do in the Italy game to earn selection for the Australia game?

Chase hasn't earnt his starts and cannot play in a structured environment.

Can't answer that one Sal - I didn't see it. Did Widdop feature in it too?

OK let's make it easier, what did Chase do in the Australia to earn selection for the Ireland game?

I'd have said Chase was excellent in defence (very strong and helped out immensely out wide against Australia) and part of a reasonably well-structured backline.

An argument could have been made for McNamara selecting Widdopp ahead of Chase before the cup started, but one of the weaknesses England has is that unless we pick a club partnership, our halfbacks (and in fact the whole team) very rarely get to play together.

McNamara had to choose and stick with a halfback partnership before the tournament started. Compare to Australia where Slater, Cronk, Smith and Thurston have played oodles of times for Qld, and 3 of them every week for the Storm.

The only thing that could and should have changed McNamara's selections was as others have said if the reserve halfback was so awesome off the bench that they forced their way in. Widdopp has been OK off the bench. But has he put in performances demanding of a start? I think not.

In fact what England need more than anything isn't Chase to do much more (or Widdopp) but Sam Tomkins to start firing. He was OK in patches against Australia but hasn't really been the great attacking threat he needs to be.

Did you actually read what I posted or just see what you wanted to see and then spewed out some guff onto your keyboard?

I don't rate Widdop because he plays in the NRL, I rate him because he's a good player. That doesn't mean I don't rate Chase, just that I think Widdop is better suited to one style of play and Chase to another. If England can find a way unleashing Chase's talents then fantastic. But does that leave too much on Sinfield's shoulders?

At the start of the tournament I'd have started Widdop, but as others have said Chase has played well and Widdop hasn't, so Chase deserves starting now.

We'll see just how good Widdop is next year when he doesn't have Smith, Slater and Cronk calling the plays around him. I'm not saying he'll fail but he won't have the excellence around him that he's had the Storm.

What sport do you suggest clown boy?

Calling somebody a clown when you walk around with a ginger clowns wig on your head is slightly ironic!,