Westerman has never been a bad defender. His issue is the past was going for big hits rather than just making the tackles. Whether it's because of the new rules or just a different approach he doesn't seem to be doing that so much.

All we really have to go on here are stats. I've omitted Tomkins because this is regular season and he played and contributed so little it's barely worth bothering.

Westerman:
Games Played: 27
Tackles made: 916
Tackles missed: 70
% made: 92.5

O'Loughlin
Games Played: 17
Tackles Made: 480
Tackles Missed: 34
% made: 92.9

Farrell
Games Played: 21
Tackles Made: 579
Tackles Missed: 12
% made: 97.9

Ablett
Games Played: 23
Tackles Made: 660
Tackles Missed: 59
% made: 91.1

Whitehead
Games Played: 24
Tackles Made: 768
Tackles missed: 67
% made: 91.3

Ferres
Games played: 21
Tackles Made: 471
Missed Tackles: 33
% made: 93

So compared to all the other backrow candidates. His workrate is the best of them all and his number of misses is more than comparable.

Farrells stats are hugely impressive btw. 12 misses across a full season is ridiculous.

England must defeat Samoa, otherwise they won't win anything else.

I was hoping that McNamara might have become wiser as a result of a season living in Sydney. Apparently not.

It is when SL stats say he missed 102.

looking forward to seeing how the new combinations work

hodgson and clarke interchanging at hooker

smith and widdop half backs

tomkins keeps his place at full back

will be good to see some international RL again this saturday!

Nope, it says he made 102 marker tackles.

People go on about Farrell's size, but his defence is outstanding and he consistently breaks the line.

Quote: tigertot "It is when SL stats say he missed 102.'" www.superleague.co.uk/matchday/player/2228 I got it from there. 102 must be a typo surely? That would make him just about the worst tackler in superleague, and he isn't.

Quote: tigertot "It is when SL stats say he missed 102.'" www.superleague.co.uk/matchday/player/2228 I got it from there. 102 must be a typo surely? That would make him just about the worst tackler in superleague, and he isn't.

Apologies, you're right, though I presumed it was an amusing typo. I assume he is in as a tackling machine because I cannot see him making many breaks against better opposition.

He doesn't bust loads of tackles, but he runs good lines. Most of his breaks seem to made with no one laying a finger on him. Whether he will be afforded as much space to run at by the Aussies remains to be seen, but as long as the service is good I think he will still cause them some trouble.

Given what's available I think McNamara has made the right choices in the backrow. They might not be up to it versus Australia or NZ but their really isn't anyone who's significantly better who's left out IMO.

I've been impressed with Westerman this year and believe he deserves a chance. Farrell's defence is excellent and will be vital. Tomkins is a bit lucky but has pace and versatility so I can see the rationale for picking him.

While Whitehead looks great ball in hand I'm still far from convinced about his defence. His stats show he's behind the others and that was vs SL opposition.

Sounds like Samoa have had a relaxed attitude to training in the run up to the game: www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/leag ... 18onv.html

Sounds like Samoa have had a relaxed attitude to training in the run up to the game: www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/leag ... 18onv.html

Farrells stats on tackle busts and clean breaks are easily better than ferres and Ablett (not in squad) and he is also even stevens with Whitehead in this area.

So as has been stated above he is the best defender also then I don't know why he shouldn't be in.

Just so people realise, all the players mentioned above have played against the same teams this season so if Farrell won't manage it against the "better" players then there's little to suggest any of the others will.

Have the kangaroos ever played a test match with just one prop in the side before?

I doubt it.

Why are they going in with just the 1 BTW? i know a few have pulled out but i thought there was a conveyor belt of quality in the NRL.

Sheens is setting himself up for a media hammering if that is the area that the Aussies get exposed.

Pure sheenius! He loves second rowers at prop and fullbacks on the wings

This year he made more tackles then Josh Hodgson, missed less tackles & gave away less penalties. I assume you'll be worried about Josh Hodgson?