1. Tomkins
2. Jones-Bishop
3. Watkins
4. Reed
5. Hall
6. Widdop
7. Brough

If Shenton is picked then the teams being picked on reputation than actual form

Exactly! I remember large portions of the team being from Wigan.

I think the thing about British RL is that every club plays the game completely differently to others and there is a lot more emphasis on passing set plays in comparison to the Aussies. The Aussies don't play one up rugby as such, but there is a lot more emphasis on players taking on the line individually, rather than opening a gap by passing the ball. The Aussies seem to have the same style of play which all clubs, no matter what level will play.

This is the issue we have. The Aussies could have 17 players from 17 different clubs and still perform because the core style runs throughout their game. We on the other hand set our plays up according to the individual nuances of the players in the team. Wingers and centres in particular don't operate as individuals, everything one does is completely reliant on the other in defence and attack. When we look at the England line it should be with the whole team in mind, not who is better. Shenton might be a better all-rounder than Yeaman, but Yeaman could be a lot more effective than Shenton if Briscoe's the wonger.

I'd go with that, you have Bridge, Welham and Atkins who are all superb centres and Hall as a winger but I think we should pick the best team and not the best 'players' if you get what I mean, these are ready made partnerships who have already gelled, I would be tempted to put Brown in with Brough but Hudds have been bobbins of late I'd be tempted to drop Brough for Burrow or Lomax.

Personally i would go for

1. Tomkins
2. Hall
3. Bridge
4. Yeaman
5. Briscoe
6. Widdop
7. Brough

With Lomax as cover for the half backs. Some fans seem obsessed with having 6ft 5, 18 stone centres wingers by saying Yeamans not big enough. He is probably one of the strongest backs, remember him ragging Clint Newton around.

Have to say that is one of the strongest back lines we have had for a while. Also we have depth with Ben Jones-Bishop, Broughton, Mcgilveray,Atkins, Shenton, all deserving of a place. We are finally starting to look very strong in the backs.

Tomkins
Briscoe/BJB/Charnley
Watkins
Reed (although I doubt he'll decide to play for England)
Hall
Widdop
Brough (although dunno how his form has been the last couple of months in a struggling Hudds team)

Wellens
Carney
Gleeson
Senior
Pryce
McGuire
Long

2003/04

Very similar to you mate. I'm so undecided about that right wing though. Hall, McGilvary and Charnley are so close to call for me.

I'd say:

1. S.Tomkins
2. Hall or McGilvary
3. Reed
4. Bridge
5. Briscoe
6. Widdop
7. Brough

It's a change actually having options and different people to choose from in the backs, normally there might be one or two positions in the backs we all argue about, but now people are saying Pryce, J.Tomkins, Charnley, Brown, Atkins, Smith, Foster, Shenton, Cudjoe, Ben Jones-Bishop, Welham, Broughton, not forgetting Gleeson being out for now.

Tomkins
Hall
Reed
Yeamon
Briscoe
Widdop
Brough

Lomax/Pryce on the bench (WE DON'T NEED AN INTERCHANGE HOOKER) having someone to come on and scoot will not work against the aussies. Roby for 80mins. Him and Tomkins are our best players, we cannot have either of them on the bench. Keep Roby on and bring either Pryce or Lomax on to add something extra. Pryce can cover most positions, I would have him on the bench.

People are putting these combinations in of centres and wingers but you are forgetting who we have in charge, it's steve mcnamara.

Hall is a certainty. He has played international for years despite being proven not good enough. McBanana will play him despite not really doing anything this season he will we base it on form in the past.

Bridge is a certainty. He has also played previously and therefore McBanana will pick him.

Briscoe will be picked and is the stand out candidate for the other wing and IMO should be playing there.

The other spot could go to anyone, I suspect Mcnamara will play Shenton there because he has played there previously
If you wanted my opinion I'd have:

Ben Jones Bishop
Kallum Watkins
Jack Reed (If Available. If not
Tom Briscoe

The basis on my selection is for the future. We arn't going to beat Aus/NZ in the 4N this year if you are being realistic. The 6th best Aus centre would get in Englands team without question. Every single one of: Greg Inglis, Michael Jennings, Michael Cooper, Jamie Lyon, Willie Tonga, Mark Gasnier (Regardless of retirement). We should be preparing for the 2013 WC but Mcnamara will pick a useless team. Full of tried and failed internationals.

He's right you know, no matter how enthusiastic we've still got that clown in charge.

can you all stop picking jack bloody reed...he's not going to opt for england

I think you're right. Plus, trying to get Reed just reeks of desparation.

And, Sam Tomkins at Stand off and Joel Tomkins at Second Row

jack reed's not even that good.....


theres aussies on other RL boards that are actually worried about their options for the 4nations such is the lack of quality and injuries...

I'm worried about centres. Most are unjured. Chris Lawrence should be in Australian side if fit, but most of our firrst choice are out either retirement or unjured.

Someone was suggesting Burrow for england. Really? That tiny bloke who'd be lucky to be 5ft? Plays for leeds I think. He either must run the 100m in 11 secs or be the best passer in the game. You really see him tackling Frank Pritchard, Junior Sauu, Vatuvei (NZ left), Capt Mannering, SKD? I cant see a player as small as him being beneficial to a side that needs to stiffen it's defence.