"Not proven at international level", how are they supposed to prove themselves despite having better seasons several years in a row.. really is ridiculous

Tomkins not in the squad is a surprise considering no Hardacker but Tomkins isn't the same player anymore. Lost pace and I think without that extra pace his lack of size is more of a problem.

I don't think his form had much to do with it as Bennett doesn't watch much superleague.

You can imagine the conversation:

Phone rings...

Betts: Good afternoon, Betts Household, Dennis speaking

Bennett: Right then Bettsy, been busy at Brisbane, so I've not watched any Superleague for the last few months, hows it all panning out?

Betts: Brilliant Boss, been to loads of games over the last few weeks.

Bennett: Fantastic, what's to report, anyone stand out there at Cas, Leeds, Hull?

Betts: Well to be honest I've been watching the middle 8s a a lot, you know with being involved and that.

Bennett: Fair dinkum, who do ya reckon then?

Betts: Well Warrington have been REALLY good, they stuck 68 past Featherstone.

Bennet: Ripper! Lets get the Warrington boys in there - is Browny still there?

Betts: Yes boss

Bennett: Brilliant, he makes a great cup of tea....know exactly when to take the teabag out. Anyone else?

Betts: Nobody I can think of, shall we just go for the lads we got together earlier?

Bennett: Sounds bonza mate, Chris Heighinton's been banging on about getting together for a catch up again before he retires. Best send him an invite too. See you in a couple of weeks!

Stanley....that is so good it isn't funny
I can actually imagine that conversation

Individually Matty Ashurst has had fine couple of seasons. Solid in defence, gets through the hard yards, and scored a fair few tries this. Certainly done more to be involved than Currie.

You've got to think Bennett had 80% made his mind up after that Samoa test. Surprising not to see a couple more additions from Leeds/Hull tbh. T Burgess has had an absolute mare of a season.

I think watts is a lot better player than Taylor to be honest got a lot more to his game for me

wouldn't argue too much with you on that one

lomax at full back for england!

just no

Don't see that as a good thing as it indicates he doesn't like to get tackled and would rather not bother returning the ball

Watts is a penalty machine. To beat the Aussies you need error free Rugby and i'm afraid to say, Watts wouldn't provide that. If he sorted his discipline then I think he would be a shoe in but atm I think its the right decision.