FORUMS FORUMS



  
FORUMS > The Virtual Terrace > McNamara and the England Team
67 posts in 5 pages 
<<   PREV  NEXT   >>
Subscribe | Moderators: Admin, Durham Giant , TimperleySaint
RankPostsTeam
International Star364No
Team
Selected
JoinedServiceReputation
Apr 201114 years
OnlineLast PostLast Page
Oct 2017Sep 2017LINK
Milestone Posts
0
100
Milestone Years
0510 1520 2530
Location
Signature
TO BE FIXED



On the back of McNamara's comments about NRL based England players, what are peoples thoughts as to what the England team should look like?

To me a lot of positions are easy to fill at this point, with only one or two contenders for most positions:

Full Back - Tomkins - Short of him moving to the halves like some people have suggested Id say barring injury he is our best bet for it.

Wings - Hall and Charnley - Again, these seem pretty nailed on, both performing well, both looking for work on the pitch, Tom Briscoe (who was in the frame for some people) hasnt really been on form for me this season. If an injury occurs, maybe Lineham would be worth a look at, big and fast, albeit inexperienced.

Centres - Reed and Watkins - For me this is so simple, Watkins is great with the ball, and nippy, Reed is all about reliability and taking high ball, I just dont see anyone else contending for these spots bar injury.

Props - Sam and George Burgess, Graham and Mossop - First off, before people say it, I know that Sam has been playing Loose and Second Row and playing more minutes than a typical prop. But in internationals I dont see why he couldnt be expected to do hard spells. His running is nearly as devastating as his brother, and it wont hurt him to have breaks to refresh before coming back on to cause more problems for the opposition. George has pretty much forced his way in, he is absolutely devastating right now. Graham is playing great and has good distribution to boot to throw defenders confidence in what is going to happen. Mossop is being reliable as ever for Wigan, and I would expect him to up his game , like the others, for the big internationals.

Second Row - Westwood, Ellis and Hock - Westwood brings great workrate and aggression, Ellis knows the opposition and has a good mind for gaps and offloads, Hock is hard to stop, and if he has his had screwed can show just the right aggression. These are quite simple for me although I would hope Ellis picks up some steam towards the end of the season.

Loose Forward - Sean O'Loughlin - Tackling machine, great aggression and will play his heart out.

Hooker - Roby if fit, although I would hope he would save his dummy running for later on in games, rather than just doing it too early and not making any yards, if not fit in time, Micky Mac or Houghton for me, both great workers.

Half Backs - This is where the problem is, Sinfield is one of them, that much is clear whether we like it or not. For me the other is Widdop is fit. He simply has to be there if available, it makes sense. If he isnt fit in time, then its a problem. Chase isnt a fit for me (and more than that is not English and doesnt have pride in the shirt to me). This leaves Myler who seems to be on fire one moment, anonymous the next, or an outsider as to present himself yet like if Matty Smith came good at the end of the season or something like that. Without Widdop our halfbacks are pretty weak to me though either way.

What do people think, and do people think it is necessary for our national side coach to basically have a crack at bigging up the SL by saying players playing in the NRL will have to do something great to beat the SL based players?

I mean, what has Premiership winning, high flying (before injury), highly paid Widdop have to further do to prove himself to McNamara? What about the Burgess brothers? They need more metres and line breaks against the best defences in the world or something? Or is it just a PR exercise and really, McNamara cant wait to get his hands on the NRL based players?

RankPostsTeam
International Board Member4961
JoinedServiceReputation
Jun 200222 years
OnlineLast PostLast Page
Feb 2024Feb 2024LINK
Milestone Posts
0
100
Milestone Years
0510 1520 2530
Location
Signature
TO BE FIXED



Decent analysis, though I wouldn't have Hock in at second row, he's too much of a liability - especially with Kirmond playing how he is.

RankPostsTeam
Club Coach29779
JoinedServiceReputation
Nov 200420 years
OnlineLast PostLast Page
Nov 2024Nov 2024LINK
Milestone Posts
0
100
Milestone Years
0510 1520 2530
Location
Signature
TO BE FIXED



Tomkins
Charnley Watkins Reed Hall Sinfield Chase
Graham McIlorum S Burgess Westwood Ellis O'Loughlin

Subs- Hill G Burgess Hock/Kirmond Roby

RankPostsTeam
Player Coach2164No
Team
Selected
JoinedServiceReputation
Oct 200816 years
OnlineLast PostLast Page
Mar 2014Dec 2013LINK
Milestone Posts
0
100
Milestone Years
0510 1520 2530
Location
Signature
TO BE FIXED



Agree with most of the original post, perhaps with just a few minor points

I like O’loughlin and would have him in the squad but at this stage a think a stronger England team would have Sam Burgess at loose and bring in Hill into the front row rotation. This gives us that extra size

At hooker, I really like the option of having a kicking game out of dummy half and Houghton brings this element more than any of the others (including Roby) so if Roby wasn’t fit I would plump for Houghton

RankPostsTeam
International Star813
JoinedServiceReputation
Feb 201312 years
OnlineLast PostLast Page
Dec 2015Oct 2015LINK
Milestone Posts
0
100
Milestone Years
0510 1520 2530
Location
Signature
TO BE FIXED



Tomkins
charnley
Watkins
reed
hall
widdop (if fit. if not chase)
sinfield
graham
Houghton
S.burgess
westwood
hock
ellis
Subs
mcilorum
O'Loughlin
mossop
G.burgess

RankPostsTeam
International Star484No
Team
Selected
JoinedServiceReputation
May 201114 years
OnlineLast PostLast Page
Nov 2017Feb 2015LINK
Milestone Posts
0
100
Milestone Years
0510 1520 2530
Location
Signature
TO BE FIXED



Tomkins
Charnley
Watkins
Cudjoe
Hall
Sinfield
Widdop
Graham
Mcilorum
Sam Burgess
Westwood
Ellis
Oloughlin

G Burgess
Hill/Crabtree
Kirmond
Roby

mossop hasnt been good enough for international standard whereas hill has consistently impressed and crabtree has looked good before, and id have cudjoe before reed, another big athletic centre like watkins.

RankPostsTeam
International Board Member2666
JoinedServiceReputation
Feb 200322 years
OnlineLast PostLast Page
Oct 2021Aug 2019LINK
Milestone Posts
0
100
Milestone Years
0510 1520 2530
Location
Signature
TO BE FIXED



I'd be tempted to put Hardaker at full back and bring Tomkins into the halves.

RankPostsTeam
International Star364No
Team
Selected
JoinedServiceReputation
Apr 201114 years
OnlineLast PostLast Page
Oct 2017Sep 2017LINK
Milestone Posts
0
100
Milestone Years
0510 1520 2530
Location
Signature
TO BE FIXED



If not Mossop definitly Hill. I honestly dont think Crabtree will cause many probs international wise.

Same for Cudjoe he is big and athletic but Watkins is more dangerous with ball and Id say Reed is the better reader jumper and defender.

Like i said i think Sam Burgess would be better concentrating on troubling the opposition defence while Lockers deals with defence but its no loss either way.

Honest question. If Sinfield is injured or whatever, who would you pick as half backs and who would be captain?

RankPostsTeam
Player Coach1652No
Team
Selected
JoinedServiceReputation
Jul 200816 years
OnlineLast PostLast Page
Oct 2021Dec 2020LINK
Milestone Posts
0
100
Milestone Years
0510 1520 2530
Location
Signature
TO BE FIXED



Quote: blackpoolwigan "If not Mossop definitly Hill. I honestly dont think Crabtree will cause many probs international wise.

Same for Cudjoe he is big and athletic but Watkins is more dangerous with ball and Id say Reed is the better reader jumper and defender.

Like i said i think Sam Burgess would be better concentrating on troubling the opposition defence while Lockers deals with defence but its no loss either way.

Honest question. If Sinfield is injured or whatever, who would you pick as half backs and who would be captain?'"


Watching Myler all year he must be in with a shout, has been massive this year for us and lead us around the field very well...

RankPostsTeam
Player Coach7651
JoinedServiceReputation
Sep 200519 years
OnlineLast PostLast Page
Dec 2024Nov 2024LINK
Milestone Posts
0
100
Milestone Years
0510 1520 2530
Location
Signature
TO BE FIXED



Tomkins
Charnley
Watkins
Cudjoe
Hall
Widdop
Smith
Graham
Sinfield
S. Burgess
Farrell
Kirmond/Ferres
O'Loughlin

Houghton
G Burgess
Hill
Westwood

RankPostsTeam
International Star364No
Team
Selected
JoinedServiceReputation
Apr 201114 years
OnlineLast PostLast Page
Oct 2017Sep 2017LINK
Milestone Posts
0
100
Milestone Years
0510 1520 2530
Location
Signature
TO BE FIXED



Kirmond could be worth looking at, need to smarten up a bit and shave the beard though lol.

Myler has been great for Warrington, I would sooner have him than Chase.

RankPostsTeam
Player Coach9426
JoinedServiceReputation
Jan 200916 years
OnlineLast PostLast Page
Oct 2017Oct 2017LINK
Milestone Posts
0
100
Milestone Years
0510 1520 2530
Location
Signature
TO BE FIXED



Good to have options though!
I'm worried that our array of second rowers arn't playing particularly well though. Ellis, Hock and Westwood. I'm not a big fan of Westwood but he's played well the last few games i've seen him.

RankPostsTeam
International Star364No
Team
Selected
JoinedServiceReputation
Apr 201114 years
OnlineLast PostLast Page
Oct 2017Sep 2017LINK
Milestone Posts
0
100
Milestone Years
0510 1520 2530
Location
Signature
TO BE FIXED



Quote: jonny the leyther "Good to have options though!
I'm worried that our array of second rowers arn't playing particularly well though. Ellis, Hock and Westwood. I'm not a big fan of Westwood but he's played well the last few games i've seen him.'"


Luckily though we arent short in that department. I would hope Ellis would improve as he doesnt seem to be firing properly, but you have Sam Burgess who could slot in then add another prop or loose, and they you have players like Farrell who have had great form.

Although knowing McNamara he would pick JJB, or even better MediaMan - formerly known as Wilkin.

Him
RankPostsTeam
International Board Member14970No
Team
Selected
JoinedServiceReputation
Jun 200222 years
OnlineLast PostLast Page
Nov 2021Nov 2021LINK
Milestone Posts
0
100
Milestone Years
0510 1520 2530
Location
Signature
TO BE FIXED



I'd go with:

1. Tomkins
2. Charnley
3. Watkins
4. Cudjoe
5. Hall
6. Sinfield
7. Myler
8. Burgess, S
9. Roby
10. Graham
11. Westwood
12. Ellis
13. O'Loughlin

14. Burrow
15. Burgess, G
16. Hill
17. Farrell

18. Hardaker
19. Mossop
20. Morley
21. Widdop
22. Kirmond
23. Houghton
24. Crabtree

RankPostsTeam
Club Owner14082No
Team
Selected
JoinedServiceReputation
Apr 200421 years
OnlineLast PostLast Page
Feb 2017Feb 2017LINK
Milestone Posts
0
100
Milestone Years
0510 1520 2530
Location
Signature
TO BE FIXED



This is where the lack of decent international competition during the year hurts us. With a more comprehensive int fixture list we could have been trying out different combinations instead of lick the finger and see how they go in the WC scenario.

Would love to see SOO move to stand alone weekends and see England play NZ at the same time every year.

67 posts in 5 pages 
<<   PREV  NEXT   >>
Subscribe | Moderators: Admin, Durham Giant , TimperleySaint
67 posts in 5 pages 
<<   PREV  NEXT   >>
Subscribe | Moderators: Admin, Durham Giant , TimperleySaint



All views expressed are those of the author and not necessarily those of the RLFANS.COM or its subsites.

Whilst every effort is made to ensure that news stories, articles and images are correct, we cannot be held responsible for errors. However, if you feel any material on this website is copyrighted or incorrect in any way please contact us using the link at the top of the page so we can remove it or negotiate copyright permission.

RLFANS.COM, the owners of this website, is not responsible for the content of its sub-sites or posts, please email the author of this sub-site or post if you feel you find an article offensive or of a choice nature that you disagree with.

Copyright 1999 - 2024 RLFANS.COM

You must be 18+ to gamble, for more information and for help with gambling issues see https://www.begambleaware.org/.



Please Support RLFANS.COM


1.68408203125:10
RLFANS Recent Posts
FORUM
LAST
POST
TOPIC
POSTER
POSTS
9m
Mike Cooper podcast
Velcro Boots
26
42m
Ground Improvements
upthetrin92
250
54m
Salford
Chris McKean
65
Recent
Planning for next season
LeythIg
191
Recent
2025 COACH Brad Arthur
Ex-Swarcliff
258
Recent
Transfer Talk V5
Exeter Rhino
555
Recent
2025 Recruitment
Bullseye
233
Recent
Transfer chatter for 2025 - New Dec 1st tamper date
Jake the Peg
10
Recent
BORED The Band Name Game
Boss Hog
63304
Recent
Game - Song Titles
Boss Hog
40839
FORUM
LAST
VIEW
TOPIC
POSTER
POSTS
12m
Friendlies
Deadcowboys1
3
12m
Planning for next season
LeythIg
191
12m
NBR Does Smithers have a hangover
RfE
13
12m
Salford
Chris McKean
65
12m
2025 Recruitment
Bullseye
233
12m
New signings
WelshGiant
13
12m
Game - Song Titles
Boss Hog
40839
12m
Transfer chatter for 2025 - New Dec 1st tamper date
Jake the Peg
10
13m
ALL NEW 49ERS ERA LEEDS UTD THREAD
Zoo Zoo Boom
2643
13m
2025 Shirt
Zig
28
FORUM
NEW
TOPICS
TOPIC
POSTER
POSTS
TODAY
Friendlies
Deadcowboys1
3
TODAY
Sam Luckley likely to miss the beginning of new season
Huddersfield
1
TODAY
Frankie Halton sign new deal
Huddersfield
1
TODAY
Transfer chatter for 2025 - New Dec 1st tamper date
Jake the Peg
10
TODAY
Trinity shop Sunday opening
phe13
1
TODAY
Tyler Craig
Wanderer
1
TODAY
Matty Ashurst testimonial dinner
Big lads mat
1
TODAY
2025 Squad Numbers
Jake the Peg
27
TODAY
England Women Las Vegas train-on squad
RLFANS News
1
TODAY
Quiz night
H.G.S.A
1
TODAY
Co-Captains for 2025
Vic Mackie
19
TODAY
Cornwall has a new owner
CM Punk
2
TODAY
Callum Shaw
Wanderer
1
TODAY
Squad Numbers
phe13
4
TODAY
Rhinos squad numbers
Rixy
1
TODAY
Squad numbers
Warrior Wing
8
TODAY
Mat Crowther pre season update
Dunkirk Spir
1
TODAY
Mike Cooper podcast
Velcro Boots
26
TODAY
Shirt reveal coming soon
Trojan Horse
50
TODAY
Opening Championship and League One Fixtures for 2025 Released
RLFANS News
1
NEWS ITEMS
VIEWS
POSTSONLINEREGISTRATIONSRECORD
19.65M 2,035 ↑10480,15614,103
LOGIN HERE
or REGISTER for more features!.

When you register you get access to the live match scores, live match chat and you can post in the discussions on the forums.
RLFANS Match Centre
 Thu 13th Feb 2025
     Mens Super League XXX-R1
20:00
Wigan
v
Leigh
 Fri 14th Feb 2025
     Mens Super League XXX-R1
20:00
Hull KR
v
Castleford
20:00
Catalans
v
Hull FC
 Sat 15th Feb 2025
     Mens Super League XXX-R1
15:00
Leeds
v
Wakefield
17:30
St.Helens
v
Salford
       Championship 2025-R1
18:00
Toulouse
v
Widnes
 Sun 16th Feb 2025
     Mens Super League XXX-R1
15:00
Huddersfield
v
Warrington
       Championship 2025-R1
15:00
Bradford
v
LondonB
15:00
Featherstone
v
Doncaster
15:00
Oldham
v
York
15:00
Sheffield
v
Halifax
15:00
Barrow
v
Hunslet
 Thu 20th Feb 2025
     Mens Super League XXX-R2
20:00
Wakefield
v
Hull KR
 Fri 21st Feb 2025
     Mens Super League XXX-R2
20:00
Warrington
v
Catalans
20:00
Hull FC
v
Wigan
 Sat 22nd Feb 2025
     Mens Super League XXX-R2
15:00
Salford
v
Leeds
20:00
Castleford
v
St.Helens
 Sun 23rd Feb 2025
     Mens Super League XXX-R2
14:30
Leigh
v
Huddersfield
       Championship 2025-R2
15:00
Halifax
v
Barrow
15:00
Hunslet
v
Bradford
ALL SCORES PROVIDED BY RLFANS.COM (SETTINGS)
Matches on TV
Thu 13th Feb
SL
20:00
Wigan-Leigh
Fri 14th Feb
SL
20:00
Hull KR-Castleford
SL
20:00
Catalans-Hull FC
Sat 15th Feb
SL
15:00
Leeds-Wakefield
SL
17:30
St.Helens-Salford
Sun 16th Feb
SL
15:00
Huddersfield-Warrington
Thu 20th Feb
SL
20:00
Wakefield-Hull KR
Fri 21st Feb
SL
20:00
Warrington-Catalans
SL
20:00
Hull FC-Wigan
Sat 22nd Feb
SL
15:00
Salford-Leeds
SL
20:00
Castleford-St.Helens
Sun 23rd Feb
SL
14:30
Leigh-Huddersfield
Fri 28th Feb
SL
20:00
Huddersfield-Hull FC
SL
20:00
Hull KR-Salford
SL
20:00
Leigh-Catalans
Sat 1st Mar
SL
14:30
Wakefield-St.Helens
SL
21:30
Wigan-Warrington
Sun 2nd Mar
SL
15:00
Leeds-Castleford
Thu 6th Mar
SL
20:00
Hull FC-Leigh
Fri 7th Mar
SL
20:00
Castleford-Salford
This is an inplay table and live positions can change.
Mens Betfred Super League XXVIII ROUND : 1
 PLDFADIFFPTS
Wigan 29 768 338 430 48
Hull KR 29 731 344 387 44
Warrington 29 769 351 418 42
Leigh 29 580 442 138 33
Salford 28 556 561 -5 32
St.Helens 28 618 411 207 30
 
Catalans 27 475 427 48 30
Leeds 27 530 488 42 28
Huddersfield 27 468 658 -190 20
Castleford 27 425 735 -310 15
Hull FC 27 328 894 -566 6
LondonB 27 317 916 -599 6
This is an inplay table and live positions can change.
Betfred Championship 2024 ROUND : 1
 PLDFADIFFPTS
Wakefield 27 1032 275 757 52
Toulouse 26 765 388 377 37
Bradford 28 723 420 303 36
York 29 695 501 194 32
Widnes 27 561 502 59 29
Featherstone 27 634 525 109 28
 
Sheffield 26 626 526 100 28
Doncaster 26 498 619 -121 25
Halifax 26 509 650 -141 22
Batley 26 422 591 -169 22
Swinton 28 484 676 -192 20
Barrow 25 442 720 -278 19
Whitehaven 25 437 826 -389 18
Dewsbury 27 348 879 -531 4
Hunslet 1 6 10 -4 0
YOU HAVE RECENT POSTS OFF


Visit the RLFANS.COM SHOP
for more merchandise!