To be fair, even playing on the wing, Austin looked a more potent attacking threat than Hastings in the recent GB games and with the dearth of HB options, he should probably be in the squad.
There's a long way to go this season and you would expect that, despite their current poor form, both Widdop and Austin will come good.
We cant blame Austin for Bennett having put him on the wing, which even now, seems like it was just wrong.

And leaving him stood on the wing when we needed to score rather than playing with 3 running halves in the middle

You can't bank on 'future form' so I think the right decision has been made with Widdop (who didn't play regularly last year) especially and Austin to a certain extent. Austin would probably also miss out due to the options available at 6. Neither of them are spring chickens either.

Hastings was dire for GB but was told to cover one side and made to reign in his natural game - it's no coincidence that he looked better when Widdop went off and they were chasing the game. He's back on form now and it Wane allowed him to roam and have more control as first receiver I'd definately have him in over those two. He's fairly young and shouldn't be written off after one tour in a team that performed terribly.


Wane seems to be making a point though so I doubt any will be selected unless injuries force his hand.

I get your point about Widdop proving his fitness but doesn't Johnstone have to do the same? Has he ever managed a full season without big layoffs?

Johnstone is already proving his form, you obviously missed the try scored against Cas
Having said that, I'm sure that everyone (including the player himself) will be happy to sse him get through the season injury free.
ACL injuries are pretty rare and to "do" both legs is bloody unlucky.
Seems not to have lost any pace and his athleticism is right up there, as good as I've seen on a rugby pitch (either code).

What the hell are you on about!

2015
2016
2018

Also played 8 games in 2017

And about the same in 2019

There are a lot of players who have had more times off than TJ.

However yes he does have to prove his fitness, as does every players at the start of a new season

I think that you need to read his post again
He's had 2 disrupted seasons in the last 4 years, both due to ACL injuries (one on each leg). So, 2 full seasons and 2 part seasons. Plus the 4 games so far this time around.

The injuries have been a real shame as his ability on the rugby field should be seen and an international series, as long as it's nothing like the GB debacle, would allow the RL world and wider public to see just what a talent this lad is.

Oh come on you weren’t asking a question you were using Johnstone to make a lame point regarding Widdop.

TJ has played nearly 100 games in four and a bit seasons, you don’t need to be clued up just look at Wikipedia, takes about 10 seconds.

Rule number one on this site is everyone has to worship Tom Johnstone. Lets not forget that.

.

Going from your reliable Wikipedia, Johnstone has made 84 appearances since 2016, Widdop has made 80 without adding internationals on there. One recovered from a dislocated shoulder while the other was an arguably more serious ACL injury (his 2nd one) but only Widdop has to prove his fitness?

The bigger issue for me isn't Widdop's fitness, it's that he's part of the most disappointing team so far this season.

I welcome not playing aussies in the england team. I'm quite keen that the england team having only english players, i know i'm just a bit old fashioned on that.