Sean Long is too old



A bit early for this thread really isn't it.

And no, I'm not suggesting picking Ray Warren for England ....

Would add Houghton at hooker too.

So you don't think a player, who played for England last year and extremely well at that, and plays in a position that we're extremely weak in nationally WON'T be pushing for an international place? You don't even think he'll be in the training squad? Yet you think that someone who isn't even the first choice hooker in their team because of him WILL be? It's your opinion, but I think it's well off!

Robinson will be in there, and if he produces last year's form then rightly so.

Brough, I think we should be trying to get him into the England team if he keeps up some good form throughout the season. We should be looking towards 2013, and Brough may be there or there abouts by then under some good coaching from Nathan Brown.

Eastmond? Nope, not a chance. Not if he's off to union. Lee Smith didn't so well when he had one eye on union, and Eastmond will probably be the same. We need to be looking to the future, not the money grabber. He'll probably be injured anyway.

Washbrook? Can't even get into an average Hull FC team. Westerman is ahead of him, and if he continues his poor form from Cas (which so far looks like it's happening) then he won't be considered either (we paid a transfer fee to put this guy on the bench and out of position?!)

Houghton I reckon will have a big year, so should be considered, especially in the train-on squad.

Charnley I don't think will be ready. Fox should be in front of him. But there are a few coming through in the forwards that could be staking a claim. Let's see how the Burgess twins do, and the other promising Bulls and Warriors youngsters in particular. It's a shame there's not much going on in the backs.

I really wanted him to have a good tour but I think we saw in last year’s 4 Nations that Ryan Atkins simply doesn't have the tools to be an international class centre

I would look to the future (and the world cup) and focus the squad around the younger players including Lawrence, Watkins, Arundel and Charnley (who is a centre prospect in my book, not wing) with the likes of Shenton and Bridge still in the picture of course

Interestingly though, I think I’m right in saying that all the above predominately play right centre

possibly add will sharp at hull fc - see how he goes over course of the season

One to watch is Adam Milner for Cas and I think Brett Ferres may be in with a shout too.

In terms of backs for Cas, Arundel is an outsider for centre and maybe Richie Mathers may be in with a gig for the full-back spot.

Morley should not be in there nor should Fielden.

I would also question Peacock.

The England team picked for 2011 should be the players who are going to be playing in 2013.

England internationals in 2011 and 2012 are irrelevant.

ONLY 2013 and the World Cup is important. If you are not going to be playing in the world cup you should not be picked now.

It's important to get the right balance, can't ditch them all on the basis they're getting on a bit. What happens in 2013 if Peacock is still our best prop? It's a tricky one getting the right combination of players moving forward.

That is why i left the Peocock question open But definitely not Firelden or Morley.

Our youn players need experience now. At most there will be 8 to 10 meaningful games before the world cup. that is 10 games to give inexperienced players experience.

I agree with giving them experience but we still need some old heads in there for experience, guidance and culture. It's definately a case of the experienced players helping the kids to progress.

Queensland showed how it should be done, old heads were played along with a group of kids who had a number years to develop as a team, NSW chop and change and consistantly fail - unfortunately we follow the latter approach.

I know I'm biased, but I'd definately have both Elliott Whitehead and Nick Scruton in the squad at least.