Tomkins has been unbelievable in defence since returning. It's probably been even better than his attack which still hasn't fully clicked.

With Hardaker out of sorts, it has to be Sam T surely? Bennett doesn't seem the type to go with a left-field choice like Shaul.

Anyway, as Wigg'n rightly says, Sam has been excellent in defence since his return.

The thing that stood out for me was how weak in the collision Hardaker was. Some of his other mistakes like being a bit slow to react can easily be picked up, but Hardaker is one of the more physical SL backs and yet looked way too lightweight. Eden and Joe Burgess similarly lack any kind of physical presence. Eden perhaps not surprising, but although Burgess is a reasonable size he gets rag-dolled too much.

They said in pre match Hardaker had put on 4 kg in a week - I expect if he did a pre season he'd add close to another 10 without losing sweat. I wouldn't be surprised if the Panthers do keep him on that basis TBH, as whilst he doesn't look strong enough ATM he's not afraid of the rough stuff and I think he can improve enough to be a very solid NRL player.

I was looking forward to Tomkins fading into obscurity but he is probably already a better all round payer than when he left.

Jordan Turner has signed for the Canberra Raiders.

Jordan Turner is going to Canberra as a reserve centre to Croker and Leilua. Is that smart? www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/leag ... 8TfwHQLb6g

Jordan Turner is going to Canberra as a reserve centre to Croker and Leilua. Is that smart? www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/leag ... 8TfwHQLb6g

Aye, anybody slating his defence hasnt watched him since he's been back. He's been sensational in that regard especially on his own line and has pulled off some fantastic try savers. He's also been solid as a rock under the high ball.

He's a different player to the one who left. Some things aren't quite as good but other areas of his game are light years ahead.

No doubt sam has lost a yard of pace with his injuries. He is still a very good olayerand like you say defensively he has come back a better player.

True, I think with Hardaker having a difficult year it is an easy selection here for Bennett.

Tomkins has to play full-back now, he is in a different class to everyone else who could play there.
He has returned from Australia an even better player. The only concern is his fragility, but when he is fit there is nobody better.

If Lomax carries on playing as he has been doing, he'll be up there with Tomkins. However, I wouldn't want him in the England set up, I'd rather him have a full off season with the Saints to see how his body is.

I see Widdop was outstanding again at the weekend...... For the Titans that is.....

If Dragons had any 2nd tier salary cap left to spend, I think he'd be dropped - as it is, they literally have no option but to keep playing him - but he's getting a hammering by everyone from fans, pundits and ex players. Creates nothing (for his own team anyway - he did throw a lovely intercept), kicking has been awful, and even his running game seems to have disappeared.

2017 England players in the NRLInterchange: Thomas Burgess,

I have excluded Lucas Burgess because he is not up to England national standard.

So there will be 10 England standard players in the NRL, with at least 7 (all the forwards plus Jack Reed) and possibly 8 (Widdop) as likely England selections.

That will require probably 9 Super League players to be added to the NRL stars to make up the England team.

Since when was Luke short for Lucas?