How do work that one out? I don't dispute that he's a good captain but to say he's clearly the best when he's captaining an underperforming side to mid-table obscurity is just daft.

i like the idea of the leadership team which builds a greater sense of a team with several leaders as admittedly o'loughlin while a solid captain, he is sometimes too quiet.
edit- with o'loughlin assigned captaincy for whenever the captain is called upon.

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.

Reed has the confidence to really take it to the aussies. Remember his try at Wembley? He got us a try out of nothing, he had the confidence to go for it and execute the play. Reed must be in IMO.

Maybe you are right about Widdop but only time will tell.

Burgess can't be on the bench, he is one of our few world class players.

Eh? From what I remember he caught the ball off a Sinfield kick and ran to the line unopposed. Like I say, he's a good player but I don't think there's THAT much difference between him & Watkins or Atkins.

As for Burgess, he provides impact off the bench, whether a prop starts or is on the bench has little to do with ability and more when in the game you want them.

Will Reed still be playing centre for much longer? I have a feeling he'll end up in the back row at Brisbane.