I don't know about that. The Kiwi middle unit will be a combination of Warea-Hargreaves, Bromwich, Matulino, Taumalolo and Taupau. All are supremely tough and skilful players well capable of playing off the cuff. Both the UK and the Kiwi middles are better than the Aussies at the moment, but NZ is a level ahead. Fact is Graham, Burgess or Cuthbertson wouldn't get in the Kiwi side if they were Aucklanders.

Agree Cuthbertson Leeds player of the season and MoS so far, as said earlier on this thread.

I'd say the England front row more than matched their Kiwi equivalents in the Four Nations. Add in the extra dimension of Cuthbertson, and I think that gives them an edge. There are some good players in that NZ side, but on home soil I don't believe there's anyone in their pack to be scared of.

Warea-Hargreaves and Matulino were injured for the 4 Nations. It makes a difference, and a lot will depend on exactly which players are fit for either side. But if NZ come over at full strength we could be in for a rude awakening because they are really, really good at the moment. And their big men are all of the type -like Cuthbertson - who will probably be better playing without the rigidity of the NRL. I'd much rather be playing the Aussies.

I noticed this right from the off with him. He directs and organises traffic in attack just as much as the HB's do and throws in the passes to match.

first thought ward definitely most improved
McGuire improved passing game but sadly with age and injuries cannot run like he used to
aiton dummy half play improving all the time but cuthbo player of season especially arriving so unheralded

This ^^^^
He's definately got a HB's way of thinking/organising in attack.

Seems he likes the thought of being a halfwww.dailystar.co.uk/rugby-le ... nd-call-up

Seems he likes the thought of being a halfwww.dailystar.co.uk/rugby-le ... nd-call-up

Cuthbertson , Ward or McGuire.

Cuthbertson has been terrific. His offloads and general passing are exceptional. It's the extra dimension in the middle that we have lacked for a long time. He also does his graft. If only we could take 10 years off Danny McGuire's legs he'd be looking at 30 plus tries this season.

Cuthbertson for sure . Must be in running for MoS . Is Ward too old for young player of the year ?.

I agree.I have lost count of the times he has picked up the ball as a support player, or gone clear himself only to be run down before the line for what would have been certain tries a decade ago.Still, he is a far more rounded player these days and what he has lost in individual brilliance and pace he makes up for in his general half back play.