IF we can keep our defence organised out wide and not rush out or leave their winger unmarked then I think we have a chance of staying in the game - with a bit of luck and good discipline from the team.

I'm a great admirer of Sinfields domestic game where he looks to be one of the best players in the world, however, I'm a big critic of his selection at international level where he's failed to impose him self.

In yesterday's game V NZ he was superb for the majority of the game and his kicking game was pinpoint. Apart from two or three passes at the line where the receiver had no chance of holding onto the ball (hospital passes) he had an excellent match.

Credit where it's due!

Agreed, second only to Roby last night for me, must have made around 30 tackles too, the Kiwi forwards were clearly targetting him. Shows they think he's a threat.

Id like to give Kirk Yeaman a mention. I read a few comments that he was out of his depth last week but he had a great game last night. Hes probably not quite good enough for this level and who knows next week might be the last time he plays for his country if the likes of Watkins improve as we hope next year. However you wont find a more commited player anywhere than Yeaman.

Nope, I think he is playing simply because he is in the NRL................and by the same logic we are benching the 8th best (IIRC) player in the NRL. Crazy. Sinfield to 13, Widdop to 6, would have been what I would have done.
Should we change it now though? Maybe not.

No don't change it now but certainly bring him on before the 76th minute

Aye, I would agree with that.

If he could pass then he would be a much better centre. He really seems to struggle in this department and even on the rare occasions when he does try to pass he just looks so awkward and it generally seems to be forward.

But what other centre do we have who is better than him? Centres who can pass the ball are sadly a rare commodity in English RL these days...

He's also been solid in defence, especially last night, which is what we need against the aussies.

There's 3 better, just all unavailable for various reasons and that is pretty much the only reason why Yeaman is in the squad.

Shenton & Bridge are good passers of the ball and Atkins is a pure athlete who is growing as an RL player at Warrington.

Shenton has done nothing this season. Bridge I'd probably have in there, but I just don't rate Atkins that highly.

I'm not Atkins biggest fan but I'd have liked to have seen him in the side instead of Yeaman. I don't have anything against Yeaman he's a good solid player, and least he had the bottle to accept his call up but I just think Atkins is more threatening with the ball and is as good (or as bad in some cases) as Yeaman is in defense.

I really hope someone like Watkins, Hardaker, Charnley or Wheeler can stay injury free and really make a claim for the left centre spot next season. With Reed and Hall on the right a more attacking left centre to partner Briscoe on the left would really makes a force to be reckoned with.

Also, was Briscoe carrying a knock? He seemed quite slow towards the end of the game.

Its clear to me that I don't think Mcnamara quite knows what to do with Widdop. If he doesn't start the surely he should come on for Roby and Sinfield moves to 9. Maybe he's concerned that neither Sinfield's or Widdop's defense is strong enough up the middle.

Yeaman is solid but not brilliant at this level, hasn't let anyone down but is probably the weak link in the side tbh.

His defence has been good all tournament though, I always feel safe when the ball goes that way, and in attack I don't think Wilkin's helped him much either, constantly cutting back inside.

yeaman doesnt seem confident in passing to his winger, but equally he may feel that his winger is usually in no position to receive the ball which would make him a smart player. i think it doesnt help that a few times the ball is fed to that side sinfields pass selection was sometimes poor and i would essentially agree with those who describe yeaman as solid.