I think Farrell and Bateman are both cracking players. I just don't think they should both be in the team together or on the field at the same time in the pack.

The forwards went well. I don't see any reason to change the pack. The dominated a lot of collisions and gave us a great platform. Unfortunately NZ eliminated that by lying on at the tackle and slowing us down to snail pace. It wasn't even subtle, they just sat there, even blatantly watching their defensive line get into place. Hicks was far too interested in stamping his authority by handing out a couple of offside penalties early on.
As for the "size" question, two small back row forwards may work very well in SL where there are plenty of weak defenders to brush off or knock back but at international level it's a very different story. A SL side may have a couple of guys of the size and strength of those in the Kiwi side, not 17. That's the difference.

I thought Hill and Graham were excellent, one of those should be on the pitch at all times. The back row likewise worked well, especially defensively against some great line runners in the NZ team. Cooper added enthusiasm but IMO should have got more time.

The problem with the pack for me was the Burgess twins, or more so how we used them, which them both on the pitch at the same time we were very ploddy defensively in the middle of the park.

Percival should replace Sarginson and Cudjoe should replace Watkins. Cudjoe is used to partnering McGilivary and they work well together.

Bennett said he selected Sarginson on his form v Hull FC then Wire in the GF, he played full back in both games.
Bennett then played him centre and it didn't work. Perhaps Sarginson should go to full back where his form was very impressive.

If we play a non specialist fullback against Aus then Thurstan and Cronk will have a field day. If you watched origin this year you will have seen that whenever the NSW fullback was out of position QLD almost score off a kick.

Wasn't the nsw fullback matty moylan? Nothing we have to offer is near his level....smells trouble to me

But against Hull and Wire Sarginson playerd very well (was m.o.m. for me in the final) and he was playing against very good tactical kickers in Sneyd and Gidley. It really all depends how you want the fullback to play. If you want him to be the "extra half-back" then it's either Lomax or Ratchford. If you want someone to take you forward then it's Sarginson, if you want a try poacher/back up player then it's Shaul.
It's a pity that O'Loughlin is unfit as he could be the extra ball playing forward that we sadly lacked on Saturday.

19 man squad announced. Graham has a light knock and isn't risked. No Widdop either but no mention of any injury. Scott Taylor and Percival come in to the 19.

Lomas
McGillvary
Watkins
Percival
Hall
Williams
Gale
Hill
Hodgson
G.Burgess
Whitehead
Bateman
S.Burgess

Clark
Farrell
Taylor
Cooper/T.Burgess

One of those props to miss out and Sarginson for me. Want to see Percival at centre and barring that missed tackle I thought Lomax looked ok at FB.

I was dissapointed in Widdop, other than the quick hands that led to Halls try I didn't see anything from him that impressed. Overall the kicking game was average and if we are to advance against ANZ teams we have to improve the half backs, end of story

Its nothing to do with attack, it is positionally in defence. Wire and Hull don't have anyone near the kicking capability of Cronk or JT, or Smith for that matter.
Thats why in previous years I have advocated picking Hardaker, as his position play is far better than other English fullbacks, but he has really let his form drop this year.

I disagree about O'Loughlin because Graham can provide that extra pivot and you could end up with too many cooks.

Ive always been in the camp that Watkins could be the best centre in the world but simple mistakes in his game show he's not what his potential could be. Maybe he's stale maybe he's too soft but it's not great he is still the best option we have at centre when he's not tough enough to compete. This isn't trolling I thought he was pur best centre and he still is but shows how much we lackig

Anonymous is the best I can say to defend him in this game. Certainly hasn't looked like a standout world beater. But then not many in white have

Surely none of you can defend him after today? The guy is stealing a living!

There's a reason no one outside 5 miles of Leeds rates him!