dont worry, we have the worlds best player at 6, playing so well he is keeping the best tactical kicker in the English game out of even the 40 man squad

probably going to get laughed down, but i think goulding would be much less of a gamble than atkins or cudjoe. so solid defensively with great hands, admittedly lacking athletically but a great rugby brain.

Goulding would be a great option, solid defence & great hands, doesn't seem to get the credit he deserves from a lot of people though. Heard he did a great job of keeping Atkins quiet at the DW

Cudjoe has outclassed ever centre he has lined up against this season

His game has genuinely improved leaps and bounds thanks to his time with England last season

Cudjoe has been immense in defence so far this year, anyone suggesting he isn't one of our best is judging simply by club.

+1

Watkins is a real talent. One of the most exciting threequarters I've seen come through in a few years. However, his potential hasn't yet been reached and he is criminally under used in Leeds right hand side.

Chris Bridge went well in a largly disappointing Warrington team on Friday night, looked back to a reasonable level of strength and fitness. Maybe there is time for him to force his way in to the squad?

Which squad?

Ireland or England?

He's played for both.

His last rep honours were with England, yet I'm sure the air-tight International Rules will allow players to make their minds up on what colour to wear much later in the year

As you're from Wigan people will say you're biased, but I agree with you. I think Goulding is the main reason that Charnley looks as good as he does. As you say he has good defence and reads the game well.

Attacking wise Watkins is the best centre we've got.
Defensively he's a nightmare.
Out of position at present but being shown up as not being able to tackle or defend. Getting a centre that is as good in attack and defence is going to take some finding.

So it's out of Watkins, Atkins, Reed, Goulding and Cudjoe then?

Sounds like a Leeds law firm.

In the draw between wire and Wigan, the modestly endowed Goulding gave Atkins a real head ache. Atkins is possibly the most exception physical specimen we've got, but to be a top centre, you need a bit guile and sense - I don't often see that. His lack of positional ability in defence could be made a mocker y by our international opponents.

I'm a real fan of bridge in the centre, I think he's very classy. Not seen much of him in the past year, but glad to see he's back in the running.

Nightmare is an exaggeration. His defense at centre is fine the majority of the time. Last season he lost concentration at times but, generally his tackling was solid, its not saying much but he's a better defender than Atkins, and I'd bet he's a better defender than most 21/22 year old British centres.