No it’s not. That’s what he said

It's Wolves, but anyway, jog on.

Steve Price surprised that Shaun Wane hasn’t selected an Aussie for the England squad? Oh well! Well done Mr Wane, we don’t need Heritage players. On Widdop, I think he needs to prove his fitness yet. I quite like the look of the initial squad and the Knights squad. Glad to see Griffin, McShane and Johnstone there, I think they all deserve a shot. Biggest surprise to me is Sarginson, I’ve never understood what he brings. Connors omission is a slight surprise but maybe Wane doesn’t like his attitude? Overall, I like it.

Quote ratticusfinch="ratticusfinch"Just read it. Not remotely up in arms and your 'and i quote' quote...is rather wrong...as I'm sure you know.'" https://www.loverugbyleague.com/post/wa ... d-absence/ According to the mirror "“I was very surprised... I’m not quite sure what Shaun and his coaching staff feel, that’s for them to answer." https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/rugby-le ... s-21623307 According to the Wigan observer "I was very surprised," Price said at his weekly press conference. "I'm not sure what the coach is thinking there... I'm not quite sure what Shaun and his coaching staff feel, that's for them to answer" https://www.wigantoday.net/sport/rugby- ... op-2047816 Close enough statements not to argue over semantics really. Except for the fact it isn't for them to answer. Its their squad for them to pick. They don't have to answer to anyone

Quote ratticusfinch="ratticusfinch"Just read it. Not remotely up in arms and your 'and i quote' quote...is rather wrong...as I'm sure you know.'" https://www.loverugbyleague.com/post/wa ... d-absence/ According to the mirror "“I was very surprised... I’m not quite sure what Shaun and his coaching staff feel, that’s for them to answer." https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/rugby-le ... s-21623307 According to the Wigan observer "I was very surprised," Price said at his weekly press conference. "I'm not sure what the coach is thinking there... I'm not quite sure what Shaun and his coaching staff feel, that's for them to answer" https://www.wigantoday.net/sport/rugby- ... op-2047816 Close enough statements not to argue over semantics really. Except for the fact it isn't for them to answer. Its their squad for them to pick. They don't have to answer to anyone

His work rate is phenominal. If we're in our own 20 he will happily take drive after drive and will make good yards.

What I didn't like about him at Wigan was his reluctance to pass to his winger which with Makinson and possibly Johnstone outside him will be stupid.

He's been in good form so far (one of the only ones) and has actually started to pass the ball. He's bring the 'blunt instrument' approach in contrast to the other centres in there.

To be fair, even playing on the wing, Austin looked a more potent attacking threat than Hastings in the recent GB games and with the dearth of HB options, he should probably be in the squad.
There's a long way to go this season and you would expect that, despite their current poor form, both Widdop and Austin will come good.
We cant blame Austin for Bennett having put him on the wing, which even now, seems like it was just wrong.

And leaving him stood on the wing when we needed to score rather than playing with 3 running halves in the middle

You can't bank on 'future form' so I think the right decision has been made with Widdop (who didn't play regularly last year) especially and Austin to a certain extent. Austin would probably also miss out due to the options available at 6. Neither of them are spring chickens either.

Hastings was dire for GB but was told to cover one side and made to reign in his natural game - it's no coincidence that he looked better when Widdop went off and they were chasing the game. He's back on form now and it Wane allowed him to roam and have more control as first receiver I'd definately have him in over those two. He's fairly young and shouldn't be written off after one tour in a team that performed terribly.


Wane seems to be making a point though so I doubt any will be selected unless injuries force his hand.

I get your point about Widdop proving his fitness but doesn't Johnstone have to do the same? Has he ever managed a full season without big layoffs?

Johnstone is already proving his form, you obviously missed the try scored against Cas


Having said that, I'm sure that everyone (including the player himself) will be happy to sse him get through the season injury free.
ACL injuries are pretty rare and to "do" both legs is bloody unlucky.
Seems not to have lost any pace and his athleticism is right up there, as good as I've seen on a rugby pitch (either code).

What the hell are you on about!

2015
2016
2018

Also played 8 games in 2017

And about the same in 2019

There are a lot of players who have had more times off than TJ.

However yes he does have to prove his fitness, as does every players at the start of a new season