100% this. I think for Australia to care about IRL - it needs to be put under threat as the leader of IRL on a consistent basis.

Got to hand it to Mal Meninga for doing all he can to try to restore some pride and passion into the cause. Bad news is that they've still been the team to beat even with everyone involved only half-arsing it.

How is it pedantic? Just because Bennett gives a debut to McQueen when Batemans out everybody loses their .

I do think its a bit rich to suggest that the most experienced coach around knows less about players than fans. I can't remember on here how often we've been told that GB/England's pack was somehow superior to Australia, only to see it demolished on the pitch.

We also don't know how much impact on Bennett's thinking the limit on players per club had, or how much he was seeking to widen the squad this time round. Any number of players might miss out on the WC through injury.

As it is, I think whilst England's performance wasn't totally convincing, the fact they reasonably easily beat a Samoa side packed with NRL players has made a few people here sit up. That's especially the case when you think we were without Widdopp and Williams, who could well have been the first choice halfbacks.

I think that he would have lined up with Widdop at Full Back, with Williams and Gale in the halves.

Be good to see Currie and Bateman come back into that squad

I also think this was plan A.

Widdop hasn't played FB for years and was the form halfback in the NRL prior to his injury a couple of weeks ago. Why would anyone have him down to play anywhere but in the halves?