Aye, they've both had better seasons. besides, Watkins has always been anonymous for England, despite claims he's the best centre England have. Ben Currie would've been better.

Apart from coming up with good finishes against New Zealand in the WC semi and against the Aussies in the 4 Nations of 2014? He's done ok in previous years but did have a shocker in 2015 but I think much like Hull, Wigan and Wire fans are already saying about some of their players right now, he was worn out by the end of that season having to defend like a 2nd row in the final weeks because of us starting Burrow at hooker.

I'd like to see what he can do under Bennett before writing off his International chances. Add in Lomax as potential starting FB to link with in attack and think many are writing him off way too soon and if the new, better & experienced coach can get him firing he is a much better choice than any other centre. Atkins is hardly a guarantee to be a better option.

Atkins ahead of any of the Centres selected for me, Watkins - seriously!!

Exactly.

It baffles me when people talk about picking on form. How far back does 'form' start? Or end?

Hall and Ferres have done very good things for England in the past (Watkins less so but he's clearly our best centre) and they have credit in the bank as far as I'm concerned. Just because some players may have had a more eye catching season isn't the be all and end all and you can never pick a national side just based on form. Those lads have form, it's form for performing against the best for England.

And I'm a Wigan fan who find praising anything Leeds quite a challenge.

Anyone who thinks Atkins is better than Watkins needs to give the game up

I don't know but Bennett knows what he's doing, presumably he wants a more attacking creative hooker. Houghton is a good all round hooker and has the highest work rate but theres no doubt clarke and hodgson have abit more punch in attack.

I dont think anyone has touched on the fact that after all the hype and talk of the possibility the Bennett was not bothered who he was gonna pick meaning several Aussies who could play for us through heritage he has not picked 1.

Which for me at least is more pleasing that any actual name that is on that list. Was it all just pie in the sky or was a it a Ruse to get people talking about it on both sides of the globe - either way Im happy none made it in and we have an English team.


On notable omissions im glad there not there - O'Loughlin, tomkins etc im in the past these kind of players would have been tagged along with the mindset they might be fit later for the comp etc. It shows what Bennett is made of no one being carried everyone fighting fit from the start and maybe a slight indication that we have plan B when many would always ague otherwise.

When we can talk about leaving players out on Rugby alone e.g a Man of Steel that is fit its a sign that maybe just maybe that things dont look that bad

Personally I would have had Houghton _ One of my Fave players but the Fact that we have at least 3 more players of sufficient quality to choose from in that position is great, people saying he is 4th or 5th choice has to be good. Both Hodgson and Clark are both quality 9's and that leaves out Roby also, Again Mcilorum has been selected in the past another great 9.

The Rest of the squad I have little qualms over - The winger debate is interesting - Our 3rd Strongest position behind Hooker and Prop I feel in terms of depth and yet only 2 Recognized are included I would have a a 3rd at least for the Internal Competition. Hall, lots of people knocking him but lets face it this season he has been fed on scrapps as we all know about Leeds season as a Team, but that hasn't made him a bad player, different prospect in an England team I feel. With McGilivray I see similar story Ive to a couple of Giants matches this season he for me along with Cudjoe have been lights in a struggling side and again I feel in the International Environment he will be fine, just would have liked to have seen another winger there also, For me one of the younger guys such as Jonstone or Swift.

Prop - Cant really say too much on that one All worthy - I just liked to have seen Walmsley given a go tho

Centre: Obviously a real tough one as we lack a bit here - Im glad Percival has been picked, but again Watkins has had a shocking season in one where he could really have stepped up taken the limelight at leeds, I think he must redeem himself here and have a belter against NZ.

Another thing on the Captain from Id have James Graham and Sam B as Vice

So my Team from whats picked is

Lomax
Hall
Percival
Watkins
Mc Gilivray

Widdop
Gale

T. Burgess
Hodgson
Graham

Whitehead
Farrell
S. Burgess


Clarke
G. Burgess
Bateman
Hill

Houghton 18 try assists vs Clark's 3. That type of creative? Clark is a better runner from dummy half with more clean breaks in him, not more creative though

That doesn't factor in the styles of the teams they play for. Hull are more likely to have a prop barrel over at 1st receiver than Warrington are.

I'm not disagreeing about Hodgson and Clarke, both deserve a spot in my opinion. I just feel as though there is room for another hooker in the squad in place of Brown, as I think there is plenty of cover in the halves without him. I feel as though Brown has been given a place just to please Betts. On the flip side, it's nice to have so many quality hookers that we can have this conversation. And no Aussie 'has been' who qualify because their Great Grandad visited here once! Gotta be happy about that one.

I think Bennett has picked a squad to see which of the incumbents are really up to it. It sends a strong message of support to them. However, he really is targeting the World Cup so I expect he'll be ruthless in weeding out players who underperform.

I'm glad he left out injured players, plus Hardaker, who now knows he simply hasn't been playing well enough. As ordinary as they come for the Panthers.

Lomax
Hall
Percival
Sarginson
McGilvary
Williams
Gale
Graham
Hodgson
T Burgess
Farrell
S Burgess
M Cooper

Clark
G Burgess
Hill
Bateman

Enough ball players in Gale, Williams and Lomax, to allow the extra prop style at 13. Plenty of punch on the bench, would expect a lift if anything with Clark, Hill and G Burgess coming on together.

I wouldn't select the scouse loud mouth ear biter as my captain, it's funny how people have short memories.....

Atkins???? He showed in the grand final how much of a poor decision making centre he is

Regards

King James

Australia v New Zealand final.
The game in this country is just not strong enough and people know why but will not admit it.
All we do is paper over the cracks, pat ourselves on the back and think we have done a good job.
The evidence is there before you.