As a Wigan fan this is exactly how I would go. Having O'Loughlin at loose gives you an extra pivot because of the way he plays and would be wasted anywhere else. Either play him at 13 or don't play him at all. Burgess and Whitehead or McMeeken at second row too.

I was appalled Farrell didn't make the mid season test team considering we were shy of Bateman and Currie due to injury but unless he's played for the full 80 mins, it's worthless considering him. It's his consistent level of performance and his fitness levels over 80 minutes which make him such a force at superleague level but he won't make an impact playing for 20 and 30 minutes a game against Australia or New Zealand. With that in mind I'd leave him out.

The backrowers I'd take are Lockers, Whitehead, Bateman, Currie and McMeekan in that order with the option of Sam Burgess slotting in there if needed.

I expect Stevie Ward will be in the squad. He has also covered centre a few times and could do for England if we pick up injuries.

I expect the squad to look something like.
Hardraker
Hall
Watkins
Percival
Mcgillvary
Widdop
Gale
Graham
Hodgson
Hill
S Burgess
Whitehead
O'loughlin

Clark
Walmsley
G Burgess
Ward

Roby
Williams
Currie
McMeeken
Tomkins
Shenton
T Burgess

Disappointing result for Leeds today but any doubt that Ryan Hall can still produce in big games? He had no right to score either of those tries. Great finishes.

I think that's pretty much spot on apart from I'd expect Taylor in place of Walmsley.

I know Eden has scored a lot of tries but he is a long way off International quality imo. It reminds me of Goulding getting picked on the wing about 6 or 7 years ago simply because he scored a lot of tries that year.

In the case of the second one, I'm not convinced he did!

24 players and no room for John Bateman?

There are only 2 world class players in SL and hall is one of them

Regards

King James

Go back to living in Russel Westbrook's shadow. Ryan Hall was world class but no longer is.

And Eden never will be

When the overated Westbrook wins his 4th league MVP, then we will talk. He won't even get 2

Regards

King James

I might have to change my mind on Gildart just missing out if he keeps this form up. He has 4 trys and an assist in his last 2 games. Including the World Club challenge and two cup ties against Wire and Salford he has 11 trys and 7 assists in 12 games. He's having one hell of a season.

I like him, probably behind Watkins and Percival, also there is Shenton. If he can finish the season strongly then he must have a chance of a squad place.

From a Hull perspective think either one of Taylor/Watts must go, as it stands I'd take Watts, as he offers something a bit different to other props.

If we are taking two hookers then Houghton has to be considered, I still don't see a better hooker in SL and regularly outplays his rival hookers.

Gildart is battling with Shenton for the back up centre slot for me. I'd have had him a nudge behind before these past sat two weeks based on a lack of games for Gildart but his record this year is fantastic. He's edging closer to a spot for sure.

I'm with you on Taylor and Watts. I would have at least one of them in and potentially both. I'm a huge fan of Watts. He's not only a huge lad who can punch holes in teams but he's also got some really good ball skills. After Graham, Sam Burgess and Hill there's probably three other prop places available and they'll be between the two other Burgess lads, Watts, Taylor and Walmsley.

As for Danny Houghton he's a superb superleague player but it always seems like he's unlucky to be fighting for a place in an area that's hugely strong for us. I'd get James Roby back invloved tbh and Hodgson isn't going to be left out. I'd liken Houghton to Sam Powell at Wigan (although clearly a better player) in that to get the best from him you want him to be playing 80 minutes. We're not going to do that and I think Roby and Clark offer more from the bench. I actually wouldn't be surprised to see Williams on the bench anyway to cover the halves and hooking positions.