Its a tough one this. Wellens is still sound defensively 9 times out of 10 but lacks the broken field elusiveness that Tomkins brings to the team. But, after watching Tomkins being run over by gaskell who is 4 stone wet, makes me wonder what will happen to him against the Aussies.

Wellens last test series suggested he could not handle kicks or dummy runners.
He spent more time with his hands on his hips complaining than tackling.
He is not up to it, never was.

Great idea, why not emulate the Tony Smith coaching masterclass and throw in Gardner and Sykes as well.

Would many full-backs have stopped Gaskell had they been in Tomkins' position? I think not. Tomkins is our best player. Certainly our best English player anyway.

If you really, really, want to play Wellens, then put him in at Centre where we're a bit weak. At least he'd tighten our defence up in that position, and he's in a better place to talk to his team-mates.

Actually forget that. Jesus, I can't believe we'd even consider picking Wellens at his age. We've a World Cup to work towards.

Slater, Lockyer, Minicheddars - they were only picked for their ability to stop someone 6' odd & 14st at full pelt while themselves flat footed.

Wellens wouldn't catch Slater on a motor bike- He isnt Int standard period

I love Wello but NOOOOOOOO

Wellens is the form full-back, but i wouldn'y choosr him, just not quick enough. Defensively, and defending kicks, he is the best,and would it wouldn't hurt Tomkins to learn from Wellens. Defensively, Tomkins is still very suspect and needs improving on. Attacking he is outstanding though and gives us that X-factor. However if he is carrying an injury, i really don't see the point in playing him. At domestic level, you can get away with a niggling injury, international, you have no place to hide, he certainly won't get the time to pass to his wing when returning a kick.

No I have to say.

Wello is a great player for Saints but that is it,not quick enough and not good enough IMO,leave Sam at FB.

Please expand on this with specific examples, for me Sam has been great defensively this season, producing a master class in the Challenge Cup Semi v Saints.

As a Wigan fan i'd be happy to let Paul Wellens replace Sam Tomkins in this years waste of space end of year tournament. Hes been playing with an injury since we played Warrington away in the league. Let him have some R&R in the off season to be fresh and ready to tear Super League apart again next season

Maybe Brett Hodgson or Brent Webb could play on residency terms?

The Aussies will have done their homework on the brat and know full well he can only step from his left foot. They will set him up good style for a well deserved going over.

I wouldn't say he's great. Far from it. Attacking wise yes he is superb, but he has been a little suspect under the highball when put under pressure. As the last line i feel he needs to improve, especially on the international stage where he will be under more pressure and come up against better attacking players.