Why would anyone that has ever seen a game even think of chosing Rob Burrow?

Reading back through this thread, and looking at the teams people would have (including my own) it just makes me think how terrible the national side is at the moment. It's probably the worst I have seen since I started watching rugby properly in 2002. The likes of Briscoe, O'Loughlin, Moore etc are never going to compete with the Aussies. There is barely any players who would be able to compete with them. At least 4 or 5 years ago I felt confident we could give them a game but I cant see us winning except against France and if NZ bring a second string again. The RFL must be praying that the new systems they are putting in place work because it seems like last chance saloon to me because it wont be long until we are over taken by the south sea islanders

It's interesting to note that for the 2004 Tri-Nations series, the Australian backline was, to my recollection, like this:

1. Anthony Minichiello
2. Luke Rooney
3. Willie Tonga
4. Shaun Berrigan
5. Matt Sing
6. Darren Lockyer
7. Brett Kimmorley

In comparison to what we could field this year, that is a rather poor backline. This may be a factor in your observations and perspective of GB/England chances against us over this period. Of course, that backline did play in that sublime, 38-0, first half performance in the Final. But it's something to consider nonetheless.

What makes you think Myler's ready? I haven't seen anything to prove that he is, he would be ran at all day by the Aussies and go down his side all the time. Sam on the other hand would look after himself as his tackling technique is superb and IMO is more of a threat in open play than Myler. Myler's probably the better organiser but for me Sam has the all round better game and IMO is much more prepared than any of the top 3 young half backs for the International stage.

It's to remind any Austin Powers fans in the crowd how good 'The spy who shagged me' was

FB: Sean Briscoe
LW: Ryan Hall
LC: Ryan Atkins
RC: Martin Gleeson
RW: Peter Fox
SO: Danny McGuire
SH: Richie Myler/Rob Burrow
P: Adrian Morley
HK: Scott Moore
P: Jamie Peacock
SR: Gareth Ellis
SR: Sean O'Loughlin
LF: Sam Burgess

SUB: James Roby
SUB: James Graham
SUB: Ben Westwood
SUB: Eorl Crabtree

18th Man: Steve Wild

God, England have nothing to look forward to in the 4 nations. Especially if we have Moore as 1st choice hooker and McGuire and Burrow in the halves.

Name me a better Starting Hooker England Qualified In Super League?, I know i mean god all those Super League Grand Final Medals and the fact they are Top Of The League of course they could do that with say Ben Jeffries & Paul Deacon LMAO!, Who else could realistically play there?...
Actually you named Wayne Godwin in your 17 so your Opinion is not valid sorry...

I wasn't having a dig mate, calm down. Roby should start, and i put Godwin in judging on recent form, he has been on fire, did you watch the Hudds' game on Sky? And he was awesome against Catalans. I'd put Diskin in next and then Moore behind them.


I didn't really understand your sentence with Jeffries and Deacon, but if it was about their quality, yes, they are dire.

Scott Moore was very impressive albeit vs France and has consistently been the best English Hooker in the Competition, James Roby can not hit the levels he can from the Bench when he starts he is better suited as an Impact Hooker who can change the Tempo of a game, Matt Diskin should be nowhere near an England jersey on this seasons form...

Fair comment, but he hasn't impressed me as much in recent games. We should be selecting on form, not reputation, so we may well have changed our minds nearer the time. I accept your view on Diskin aswell. I only selected Godwin due to this theory, as his recent form has been excellent -first time he's been starting hooker for us- so a combination of him and Roby could work well. I'm sure we'll all be disappointed come the 4 nations anyway

Things will probably change between now and the play offs but if i were choosing a team to play today i'd go-

Briscoe
Fox
Gleeson
Pryce
Hall
McGuire
Brough
Morley
Roby
Peacock
Ellis
Burgess
O'Loughlin

subs
Graham
Carvell
Crabtree
Tomkins