Watkins isn't deserving of a spot.

Quite right, but with Reed missing if we leave Watkins out we are looking pretty thread bare in the centres. Hopefully he can book his ideas up in the second half of the season because we really will need him at his best to match the Kiwis and Aussies in the three quarters.

I really don't want us to have to go down the Bateman 'make shift' centre route.

Reed is the starting centre for Brisbane. I'd say that's probably better credentials than playing for England to be honest, especially with McNamara choosing the team.

It would be a great shame if he couldn't get back to full fitness as he is a talent. His style of play probably doesn't lend itself well to a shoulder injury.

England's right edge should be Cudjoe and McGillvary, both are in fine form, despite the giants' slump, and work well together.
Saves having to 'gel' 2 unaccustomed players to try and get a partnership to work, this partnership does work, if it hadn't have been for this partnership we would be really struggling!

I agree Cudjoe should be given a spot and I'd like to see Atkins given another go at international level