Longer-term issues aside, I think McNamara needs to throw caution to the wind vs NZ, as we need to score points. Firstly that means a change in mindset and not letting the front rowers hog the ball.

Secondly he should definitely look at some changes. I'd go for it, and bring in both Hardaker at full back and Burgess on the wing, dropping Charnley altogether and moving Tomkins to 7. Smith may be an 'organiser' but he is zero threat with the ball. If he does play he HAS to run the ball early or he'll be a passenger.

The back row has been a weakness in both games so far, so I'd bring in both Whitehead and Cooper, simply because they can't be any worse going forward than the incumbents.

The top level is the NRL though

For me its no coincidence that we have the highest content of our guys playing in the NRL and were actually starting to look like we can beat (compete prob a better word) the Aussies, we need more players playing in the NRL

And look at the difference between Samoa ten years ago and now, that's down to players playing at the top level in the NRL

There is a PNG team in the Queensland cup, in 2016 Fiji will have a team, it wont be long before Tonga and Samoa have a side, there is no doubt that they are trying to do what the NZL warriors are doing and look at the Kiwis now and ten years ago!

My thoughts too, to expand on this, we have a young team that are going to play a lot of international rugby together and will get better as they get to know each other and mature

We need to keep the international origin concept going so they can have a mid season run out together

When?
Seriously......when?

we dont have enough international games I know but I would say with the age of the team mainly our better players who are all 25 and under they will have 5+ years to play with each other

Our big mistake on Sunday was not playing in second half like we did in the first. I thought the team had good shape and Widdop/Smith quite effective together, and we looked like we could threaten. Second half we looked like an Italian soccer team that had decided to defend a 1-0 lead for the remainder of the match. Big mistake. Only way to beat the Aussies is to deprive them of attacking ball. J Tomkins looks out of it. I'd be tempted by Whitehead but there are those who say his defence isn't up to it. I don't think Mike Cooper would be a bad shout, either.