Should Jack Reed be selected for England

Quote: Bethman "I think it would almost send the wrong message to the squad if Reed is selected ahead of someone like Yeaman who has proved his worth in Super League over a period of time. I'm sure nobody would argue that the NRL isn't the stronger competition but selecting players purely because they are doing a decent job in the NRL would suggest to the squad that all of their opposites are better players as they play in a stronger league. This is far from the truth I'd suggest all of the England team would be at the very least solid and in most case good NRL players, if Reed is being selected because his form is better than his SL counterparts then fair enough but I'm not sure thats the case.'"

What has the competition a player competes in got to do with whether he gets selected as long as it is of a comparable standard or better. I don't care how long a player has spent "proving" himself, if he's rubbish, he's rubbish and shouldn't be playing for the national side. Reed is a better player, in a better league than any of the other centre options available to the England selectors.

We need to get the rose tinted glasses off in some cases. The SL competition is a second rate product, it lacks competitive teams, has too many non even games, too many second rate/past it overseas players. The general standard of British player is declining. If you need evidence look at the current England team being beaten by a team of SL overseas players containing ONE current international and having a 37 year old playing in it and an average age of 30. We are falling further and further behind the southern hemisphere in RL terms and will continue to while the RFL pursues its current policies.

Reed for England, with him and Widdop we would at least have 2 quality backs.