Quote: Odem "No Burgess? Leaving out the number 6 from the current best team in the world? Leaving out one of the form centres in the NRL? You must be mad.
Tomkins
Charnley
Reed
Atkins
Hall
Widdop/Lomax
Brough
Burgess
McIlorum
Mossop
Ellis
Westwood
Lockers
Roby - IMPACT
Hock - IMPACT
Graham - IMPACT
Crabtree - IMPACT
That is a fantastic side IMO. With enough time together I think we could make the final against Aus and have a real go at them. I would just hate to see us crash out at the SF stage.
Just stay well clear of players who have been tried and failed at international level like Sinfield especially! I just can't see our coach picking a team like that though!'"
I forgot about Burgess, I'd have him on the bench in place of LMS/Carvell.
I said why I'd leave out Widdop, we need our halves to play together and everyone in the squad to know what they're doing. The mid-season camps and games aren't very effective if your halves aren't playing in it.
I'd have Widdop in the squad as a useful backup for 6,7 & 1.
I'm sure Reed is a good player, but I saw nothing to label him far and away better than Watkins or Atkins, who would both have the benefit of the mid-season camps & games. Again, I'd have him in the squad as backup.
I also don't think Roby offers impact off the bench anymore. He did a few years ago when spelling Cunningham, now he's developed his game to be the best hooker in the country. I'd start with him, with Burrow off the bench to add the impact. Again McIlorum or Houghton in the squad as backup.