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.

I disagree. Atkins was absolutely embrassed by the Aussies when he played, Yeaman has always being solid for England. I agree that he is probably not good enough for International RL and wouldn't get a look into the NRL but his defence has always held up a lot more than Atkins. Also, you can't understimate the importance of established partnerships and understanding as Yeaman/Briscoe have. A lot of people say "Oh Atkin's defence had improved a shedload" to them I'd say a) It's probably a lot easier defending in the team Wire have now than previous b) SL has a low quality of centres at the moment, far inferior to the aussies.

I wondered that myself. After his try he seemed to be limping a bit so maybe he had a bit of a niggle. He isnt lightning quick anyway but he normally moves alot faster than he did when he made the break.

Shenton is massively overrated and, like others, I'm not sure about Atkins' defence. Bridge is a very good player and would certainly do a better job in attack than Yeaman (and as good a job in defence).

I thought that was one of our better performances if recent years. Controlled the game and were patient. Credit must go to the coach. Previous coaches have not been able to achieve that. Having said that, I'm not getting carried away as effectively this is a 3 match Test series - although in this case 2 v Oz and 1 v NZ. We often win one before getting thrashed in the final. However, Australia are still going backwards so there's always a chance we may sneak it!

That's generally what happens I think. If Widdop was playing 6 he'd be defending on the right side not up the middle. Sinfield is too small and doesn't have the work rate to be an international 13. Doesn't carry it up enough

Sinfield has been great - aside from his kicking in the final 20 metres.

The only player who has looked to be struggling at international level has, IMO, been Carvell.