I remember that game, the whole crowd started cheering Morley. Awesome!!!

Not this one. This would have been an ideal opportunity to blood the next generation in preparation for 2013. Poor succession planning by the management.

If he stays clear of injuries and Leeds rotate him during the season, Peacock could probably do one more year. Given the inexperience at this level of the other props mentioned as replacements, that might be a good thing.

Morley looks shot. I think people (especially the ever mischevious swiftcorn) underestimate how well he's played in teams which have been battered across the park (including games I've watched in Brisbane, where he was miles ahead of his teammates in badly beaten sides). What would be interesting would be for McNamara to tell Morley that this will be his last hurrah, and see if he can get a couple of shorter "old-school" Morley stints out of him.

More worryingly for England is Ellis - not just his short-term fitness but how long he'll be as good as he is. As with Morley, his style probably doesn't lend itself to longevity, and I'd argue Ellis is by far our most important forward.

Morley and Peacock probably won't go round again with the internationals. Immediate replacements are there in Crabtree (who's impressed me at that level) and Carvell (who's been in outstanding club form).
There's a few others, like Mossop & LMS, who have been in good form and could possibly step up to international level next year.

However, perhaps its the Burgess clan that will bring our long term replacements?
The one that stayed at Bradford seems to have impressed this year (even though he's 19 odd) and in terms of size could be one of the biggest forwards around. One would assume his twin at Souths also has a decent talent?

I'm aware it wasn't the greatest test, but Burgess (Tom) went through our pack like a hot knife through butter at the back end of last season; 6ft 5 and over 18 stone - the kid's a monster.

Who's your pack?

Shakey.

FWIW I think Luke Burgess was unlucky to miss out on the squad given his form over the season for Leeds and Souths.

Very droll - as I said, not the greatest test.

The point remains - as a teenager, he's already skittling experienced pro's; he's certainly an exciting prospect for England in the longer term.

Mossop is better than Burgess, Prescott probably is close as well.

Mossop is quality and I agree, Prescott not sure I see what the fuss is about, Burgess is a better player and prospect from what I've seen. Stats taken from SL and NRL websites https://www.superleague.co.uk/statistics_player?hs1

Lee Mossopp

rlhttps://www.superleague.co.uk/statistics_player?hs1

Luke Burgess (NRL)

rlhttps://www.nrl.com/telstrapremiership/playerstats/playerprofile/tabid/10898/clubid/11/playerid/2331/seasonid/7/default.aspxrl

*edit* Sorry miss typed the tackle stat for Burgess. Sorry.

There isn't that much between those stats, the average meters per carry is a bit higher for Burgess, although Prescott made more tackles. Doesn't really show much difference between who's the better prospect. The only thing you could argue is that for the 2nd half the season Burgess has been playing at a higher level.

Watching Burgess for Souths, he seemed to thrive on the step-up. Certainly an improvement over his Leeds form.

I thought 2012 was a blank year for internationals anyway?

I agree with that, my point was the stats don't really tell the story. I have been very impressed with him since he went to Souths. FWIW Prescott thrived on the step up when playing against St George, as do alot of players.

Burgess was equally as good for Leeds as he has been for Souths, Leeds' best prop by a mile the first half of the season.