That is because a lot of the time in the past there hasn't been much alternative to picking the established player.

Even as a Leeds fan, i feel Watkins, Hardaker and Hall have a lot to prove in the second half of the year to be selected. That's the way it should be.

I agree. Shaul's one of the best players I've seen at Backing Up, exactly what you need from a Fullback.

I like Ben Currie, but he is in danger of becoming the next Carl Ablett.

Ablett is a fantastic player with size and outstanding hands. But because of how the game is structured here, including the levels below SL and Salary Cap his value came not from being a world class second rower or loose forward, but from being a player who could switch from 2nd row, to 13 and play long stints at centre so what we ended up with was a player who could never focus enough on becoming fast enough and agile enough to be a top class centre, couldnt focus on becoming strong enough and muscular enough to be top class pack man. So we got a decent utility.

Same with Bateman, there is a potentially world class second rower there doing a good impression of a centre.

Would Matty Russell even be allowed to play for England? He's played for Scotland before but don't know how long ago his last appearance was? With Scotland involved in this years competition I'd imagine he'd stick with them and start rather than hope for an England call up.

Are North Queensland a lower NRL side?

Its isnt arrogant to dismiss two players who hadnt even cemented their first choice status at club level a year ago as not very good in the context of international selection. They are two players who have not a great deal of proven quality.

Russell and Shaul may be in decent form right now, but anyone proposing they are selected ahead of Hardaker or Tomkins are doing so because of Leeds poor form and Tomkins injury, not because those players are setting the world alight.

Inglis, Boyd, Duggan, Slater, Tuivasa-Sheck offer far more than backing up.

At SL level you can get away with a fullback who is fast and follows up. At international level it just isnt good enough.

So, what should happen if Hardaker and Watkins's poor form continues and Tomkins returns only to also perform at a mediocre level. Do you pick the player with ill-form with a reputation or pick a fresh face who's chomping at the bit and is in good form?

I meant in the British game not the NRL.

form can change in an instant. If you arent good enough it takes a long time improve.

I think Tomkins is still the incumbent. Hardaker was MoS last year and played well for England. I dont think his drop off has been as extreme as some make out. Both have years left in them. I think someone has to be very very good to displace either of them. Not just in decent form but being very very good.

Watkins is still the only natural centre who has shown international quality that we have. His form has been poor but our route to success isnt to fill our backs with second rowers or any of the dross we have as actual centres in this country.

As a leeds fan i hope none of them get picked. We look a very tired side right now and many players havent had time off for years. A winter off can only be great for us.

As an England fan going in to a 4 nations with a back line of Shaul, Russell, Bateman, Atkins, and Johnstone terrifies me.

That is the worry for me if you go with a whole host of new names. NZ and OZ as we know have world class three quarters and we have only just begun to be able to contain them with the likes of Hall, Watkins and recently mcgillvary at the forefront of that. The step up from SL level to that level is huge, and very unforgiving. Hopefully certain players can find form for the sake of the nations chances later in the year.If in any kind of form a three quarter line of:

Tomkins / Hardaker
mcgillvary
Watkins
Reed
Hall

would still provide our best opportunity of competing imo.

I know so why is it taking Watkins and Hardaker so long. I'm a big fan of Kallum but his form is woeful.
I understand what you're saying. An in-form Shaul is nowhere near as good as an in-form Tomkins or Hardaker. Admittedly , they're both a cut above the rest when in-form. No doubt.
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I tbink we're lacking strike players at Centre. Kallum has the XFactor attributes but his form is woeful and the length of time its lingered worries me. I think Bennett will draught in Reed and possibly Ben Currie and probably Sarginson to join Watkins as his Centres.

Yes looking at it on paper I see your point. Fair enough playing them against a unmeaningful game against Wales or France, but against Australia and New Zealand you want or need your best quality personnel.