What has James Graham done to you?

He's ginger.

Still at work and not had time to fully digest the squad but initial reaction is, why no Jamie Foster?

I think you answer your own question regarding Bridge. He is the only ony who has both footwork and ball playing skills, possibly add Shenton too. The rest are big and athletic. which the likes of Inglis and Gasnier will have no problems countering.

SIZE AND STRENGTH.......and he's not out of position...he's a now



and can people stop talking about kris welham.....he's gash

Exiles/4Ns teams

S Tomkins
T Briscoe
K Yeaman
J Tomkins
J McGilvery
K Brown/ G Widdop
D Brough
J Peacock
J Roby
J Graham
B Westwood/ G Ellis
B Harrison/ S Burgess
S O'Loughlin

J Lomax
L Farrell/ B Westwood
L Mossop
A Morley/ G Hock

I don’t support KR or know Welham - but he is a quality player & every time I have seen him play his defence has been outstanding. Great reads & shut downs, good floor work, good marker & his enthusiasm in kick chase would be a massive plus to any SL side.

The JJB comment was equally as silly 'there fans think he’s rubbish so he might be' -
Although I don’t believe JJB is quite Sam Burgess class – he does a lot of good things for Leeds & should provide good cover for Westwood as the middle unit back row.
I would imagine the inclusion of sinfield is 'cover' for Brough - both are outstanding infield kickers & we ALL moan about our play 5 options, i personally am excited to see the difference Brough can make here.

Right your turn to shoot me down…
Tomkins, Hall, Shenton, Atkins (has played well this year) & Briscoe
Brough & Myler
Morely, Roby, Graham
Tomkins Westwood & O’loughlin

Peacock, Carvell, Robinson ?

Looking strong,

Swap him and Carvell, then drop peacock to the bench.

1. Tomkins
2. Briscoe
3. Tomkins
4. Bridge
5. Hall
6. Sinfield
7. Brough
8. Morley
9. Roby
10. Graham
11. Westwood
12. Jones-Buchanan
13. O'Loughlin

14. Robinson
15. Carvell
16. Crabtree
17. Atkins

From the squad selected, I would go with

Sam Tomkins
Tom Briscoe
Chris Bridge
Ryan Atkins
Ryan Hall
Kevin Sinfield
Danny Brough
James Graham
James Roby
Adrian Morley
Ben Westwood
Joel Tomkins
Sean O'Loughlin

Garreth Carvell
Eorl Crabtree
Luke Robinson
Jamie Peacock

Although, from the players available I would have gone with

Sam Tomkins
Jermaine McGilvary
Chris Bridge
Kris Welham
Tom Briscoe
Kevin Brown
Danny Brough
James Graham
James Roby
Adrian Morley
Ben Westwood
Larne Patrick
Sean O'Loughlin

Joel Tomkins
Eorl Crabtree
Luke Robinson
Jamie Peacock


and for the 4 Nations

Sam Tomkins
Jermaine McGilvary
Chris Bridge
Kris Welham
Tom Briscoe
Gareth Widdop
Danny Brough
James Graham
James Roby
Adrian Morley
Sam Burgess
Gareth Ellis
Sean O'Loughlin

Ben Westwood
Eorl Crabtree
Luke Robinson
Jamie Peacock

I hate to break it to everyone but Burgess will most likely miss the 4 nations.

Most international rugby league sides aren't picked on form. Aussies and Kiwis tend to jsut stick with what they know and who can do a job in a short tournament; maybe a couple of inform young guns get a go with a view to making them regulars.

The biggest puzzle is Atkins, he was completely found out. Bridge was strong enough in the 09 4 nations (from what I remember, which is little except massive disappointment.)

Glad Peacock and Morley are back, I think Morley is doing coaching badges so hopefully he just tells McNamara to shhh and takes over.

That 3/4 line would get absolutely tonked

I fear another onslaught of grief aimed at Sinfield after this game if he plays at stand-off. Rarely has he been able to play his own position and Leeds role for England.

We know he isn't a stand-off, a million miles off. But if he's the best option available surely the gripe should be aimed at other stand-offs not stepping up to the level required.