Who'd be your 1, 6 and 7 for Great Britain?

These are the positions I'm struggling to choose. What do you think is the best combination?

Players that are likely to be in contention for these positions are.

Players named in the latest squad
Coote
Ratchford
Shaul
Tomkins
Lomax
Williams
Austin
Truman
Connor? (more chance in the centres)

Down under
Widdop

Others
Hardaker
Evalds
Hastings? (not sure if he's put his hat in the ring or not)


I've not seen much of Widdop this year. I know he got injured early on which kept him out for a good while. Can't see Shaul making it, Ratchford is a good player, I'm not sure he's an international player though. Coote's performance in the final has put me off him.

Coote is top class, and would be my full back choice.

The half backs are difficult, Austin started the year well and if he regains that form I think he would be a good addition. Likewise, Widdop started well but missed a lot of the year through injury and has returned in mixed form in a poor team. I think it’s one of them at 6.

I’d like to see Truman get the nod, unparalleled talent. But think it will be Lomax at 7.

Shaul has had a rubbish season, his display against Cas sums his 2019 up. Connor, don't be silly, he hasn't got the temprement to join a touring squad.

For the first time in a good while we have true strength in depth in these positions.

At the start to the middle of this decade we pretty much had Tomkins Hardaker and Widdop, with a fill-in playing 7 half the time.

Widdop was England’s best player at the World Cup a couple of years ago. In the final I think he was the best player on the pitch. I don’t know if he’s 100% fit but I think Bennet will play him he’s his main man.

Bennett also likes Lomax. If the rumour is to be believed he rang up Holbrook last year and said “how’s my boy doing?”, asking about Lomax.

I’d obviously love to see Ratchford Widdop and Austin. Which could well happen in at least one game as I don’t think we’ll play the same team right the way through the tour. But that’s with a Wire hat on.

But to be honest, Coote Lomax and Widdop would be a good three. Tomkins Austin and Truman would be fine against PNG.

Also the ‘9’ has some depth too. Obviously Roby is still at his high level... I personally think Daryl Clark, despite all the plaudits he does get, is still the most underrated player in rugby league. I just think he’s truly world class but may be overlooked for Hodgson.

Surprised on the inclusion of Shaul over Evalds. Think that’s harsh!

I don't rate Coote personally.
I'd go with:

1. Hardaker/ Tomkins
6. Trueman / Williams
7. Widdop
9. Roby

FB: Coote
SO: Trueman
SH: Lomax

I really can't believe that you're still sooooooooo bitter about Zak being at Wigan, and not at Cas.
You've been stalking him for over twelve months now, time to let go.

Hardaker

Widdop
Lomax

Realistically there is little point calling up Coote and Austin if they aren't going to play.

1 - Coote
6 - Lomax
7 - Austin

Could be Widdop and Austin, but that would be a bit of a joke considering the season Lomax has had. He'd be MOS if there was a proper system in place.

You cannot leave Widdop out if he is fit. He is one of the best players in the NRL (he almost won the prestigious Dally M medal last year). Bennett will definitely pick Widdop so don't even think about it not happening.

John Lomax has to be there because he has performed well at international level, as well as at St Helens.

So the question is whether Blake Austin gets the call (with Lomax playing at full back). Blake Austin will be deservedly ahead of Lachlan Coote, and of course ahead of Zachary Hardaker for the final 17.

The British spine should likely be:

Lomax
Austin
Widdop
Hodgson.

James Roby on the interchange bench.

Millward & Murphy

Well according to Phil Clarke, Jake Truman is the new Roger Millward, so we've got that one covered. Anybody know who the new Alex Murphy is?