I'm really struggling to see what Heighington brings to the team. Is it just me?

Ellis should replace Wilkin.I really dont know what mcbanana sees in him.

Based on his recent selections you may be right, but we thrived today with the extra prop, so I don't think he should change it.

This. All the other forwards made a dent into the NZ line tonight, apart from Wilkin. Just not good enough at International level for me.

He's solid but not amazing. Am I right in thinking he's really a 2nd row playing at loose?

yeah i agree its such a waste having wilkin in the team.Doesnt punch holes in the defence, doesnt make any yards. loses collision always.and for some strange reason kicks downfield on some occasions.Not international class at all.

TBH, I can never make my mind up about Wilkin.

I think he can offer 'different things' as a forward but he often does strange things and thinks he's a lot smarter with the ball than he actally is.

He's good for the niggle but is a little lightweight . 40/60 against for me.

Carvell should be in the 17.

Wilkin is a fine player at SL level but doesn't have the physical attributes to make an impact in internationals. His hands for Briscoe's try were superb, not many second rowers could pull that off.

Player stats from tonights game. livescores.smh.com.au/matches/nr ... 1136943672

Player stats from tonights game. livescores.smh.com.au/matches/nr ... 1136943672

Yeah, it sums him up well. Shame really cos he is a little different in the pack.

Rewatching it now with my cousin who has just come in from the pictures. Tomkins is the man of the match, he was utterly superb, threatening their line with almost every touch of the ball he had. He's one of those players who, because of his threat, makes opposition players number up wrong and get drawn into him as if he's got a magnetic pull on them. Outstanding performance.

Morley's go forward is great, 145 metres from 14 carries. Backed up nicely by Graham with 156 from 20 and Peacock with 129 from 17.

One player with outstanding stats who I also noticed a lot more second time was Jamie Jones Buchanan. 91 metres from 10 carries and 28 tackles.

If you look at the defensive work done by the players potentially to be cut for Ellis and there is a case IMO for them all staying and Widdop losing his place on the bench:

Wilkin 55 metres - 28 tackles
Heighinton 44 metres - 21 tackles
Jones Buchanan 91 metres - 28 tackles

Wilkin and Ellis can both cover the back positions, so IMO there is no real need for a back on the bench. If next week is tight, it's unlikely Widdop would even get on the pitch.

Saddened, your beginning to sound like you are actually a fan of Tomkins?

Another player who was absolutely immense tonight, Roby. Top class.

JJB has impressed me more and more this season. Has been one of the best back rowers for a while and had a big game today.

Tomkins is simply brilliant.

I'd keep Widdop on the bench as he can unlock defences and has caused problems whenever he's come off the bench - could be useful if it's close next week.

Looking at your stats Saddened, Heighington would be the one to make way (he won't though).

Graham's stats are handy.

20 runs for 156m.
33 tackles.
1 line break
2 tackle breaks



Officially when it comes to fast play the balls. NZ had 1. England had 0.

Roby was M,O,M by far he was immense