True, but the statements tended to have an air of calm that would suggest it was true...

So now we're taking statements by how calm the air was

Speaking as an England fan and not a Salford fan, personally I don't think Myler should be in the squad. He has great potential and can play a pivotal role in a game don't get me wrong, but his defense is terrible. I think at the moment he could do more harm than good.

I think the idea for Myler is that he will play against Wales and France and see how he goes again for the future, they don't plan to play him against NZ and Aus and if they do they are mad. I think Tomkins will play against NZ or Aus personally. He is the best half back we have atm.

Not a Leeds fan, but, Sinfield ads lots of game control options and I don't see anyone doing better at LF in the SL - hence why I don't see anyone in ahead of him. Wilkin brings big game experience to a rather new/experimental side, who would you have in the second row instead. As for Hall, I believe he has and I can't think of a better centre pairing based on the current squad.

But Sinfield doesnt do this at International level.
He gets thrown around like a ragdoll.
Ditto Wilkin.
O'Loughlin at 13, Ellis/Burgess 11/12

You've just said almost exactly what I was thinking...

Half backs might be weak but its looking good for the futurte. Looking a bit weak in the centre. Everywhere else we'll do alright I reckon.

I doubt Smith would pick both Tomins and Myler - so the only real issue is who does he pick, as McGuire would play either 6 or 7. Given that - IMO - McGuire is better when he's forced to take more possession, and given lack of recent performance from Myler, I'd go for Tomkins/McGuire. No idea on the centres, but if we need Lee Smith for that role we're in real trouble IMO.

The only other question is Sinfield. If he's in, he'll do the long-range kicking I guess, and goalkicking too. But what would his other role be? He provides 'structure' but at the cost of speed. If he's not going to be an organiser at 13 (something no other country seems to need BTW) then I'm not sure how else he could be used. If he's not playmaker-in-chief in terms of general play you'd be better with an O'Loughlin or even Ellis at loose forward.

Agreed. You have to start with the physical task of taking on a pack made of the best forwards in the world. You need a no-nonsense back row to support your props.Also agreed.I had a feeling he was looking at Bridge as a centre (who I've rated since seeing him play there) and he also kicks for Wire. If Sinfield is left out and we use the halfbacks mentioned above, Bridge would have the added value of being able to kick for us.

Who does the field kicking in your team?

The half backs, as they should. Moore and to a lesser extent Roby can add their tuppence worth from DH.

No-one gonna try and pick a squad to face Wales this week then?!

We could pick a team from the people who post on here and still probably give them a good game

Sykes
Briscoe
Bridge
Shenton
Fox
Tompkins
Myler
Carvell
Moore
Morley
Ellis
Tickle
O'Loughlin

McCarthy-Scarsbrook
Burgess
Higham
Clubb

I know wales arent the greatest attacking side but....sykes at fb? why dont we play someone who is better in that position like.......... morley.