You can't have watched him play much or you wouldn't be making these comments. Lydon was a complete one off and miles better than any British centre playing the game today or even in the past 10 years. The Aussies called him just enough Joe, he never seemed to put himself out yet could turn a game on a sixpence.

I was a season ticket holder at Central Park from 1986 to the late 90’s... is that enough?

I stand by my point. Joe Lydon was a good player, he was quick and elusive but that is the norm for a modern day Rugby league player. Unlike the likes of Schofield and Hanley, I don’t think there is anything about Lydon that would make him excel in today’s Super league where the level of conditioning and athleticism is far higher and defences more organised than when he was playing

You have a different opinion and of course you are entitled to it

Oh, and p.s. if the Aussies did call him ‘just enough Joe’ then maybe he should have done a bit more and we would have won a few more games!

For me, Atkins has been the most impressive English centre I've seen this season. However, his passing is quite poor and he probably has the best job in SL down Warrington's left channel. Still, if we're picking up form, I'd rather see him in there rather than Shenton or Bridge.

Would have Yeaman or Lawrence above Atkins for the left centre spot.

I respect your opinion but imo, Lydon was far better on his worst day, than Shenton is on his best. As regards him showing touches of brilliance that would lead you to think he'd make it in todays game, 60 mtr drop kick against Warrington , try he scored against the Aussies, trys he scored against us at Wembley, his tactics against Manley, the list goes on. Peter Sterling picked him in his dream team around 1991 or so.

Hall's up there with the best wingers in SL, but I don't think that's much of a claim at the moment, none of them would be likely to get a run for the Ausies or Kiwis if they were eligible. I do think Tom Briscoe has something about him, could be something there, but I'm not convinced about his pace, maybe he'll mature into a top class centre?

Interesting to get the chance to compare Atkins to one of the other inform English left centres in Kirk Yeamen in the Hull vs Warrington last weekend.

He's been mighty impressive when I've seen him this year, but you know fromm seeing him in the past that when we're under the cosh and he's defending against and Aus or NZ attack that it won't be long until they make a real Ass of him.

Take him. He's played a bit of 13 for wire. He could make a real impact coming off the bench in that role. His all round athletisism is a rare treat in british players and his form this year deserves some sort of recognition.

Shenton has missed 27 tackles this season compared to atkins 10

carmont has missed 25 and yeaman has missed 20

so much for the atkins dodgy defence myth.

Shenton appears to be the opposite of Atkins in defence. Positionally good and hard to get around, but flaps with his arms too often in contact, hence the high missed count.

The only definite centre for me is Chris Bridge, other than that a few in form people could stake a claim to the other centre position, though for what it's worth I think Atkins would get found out again.

A few injuries starting to mount up for all four nations teams (except Wales) so it could be a year of a few new guys getting a go.

Atkins, to my mind, was a revelation this weekend and I saw plenty of him at Wakefield to believe he'd never make a centre. I hope it wasn't a one of performance and he keeps on learning.