It really doesn't matter who is on the wing for England. They never see the ball except when relieving their line to give the forwards a rest.

You obviously didn't watch the game on Sunday - do you also not watch internationals as well as SL just the garbage they turn out at LL?

I've never rated O'Loughlin higher than a top club player.

I like Tomkins. But I'd like him much better if he were three inches taller carrying an extra stone. Call him "World Class" if you like. But how many "world class" players have you seen who are consistently thrown about like a rag doll?

Watkins has all the attributes. But he needs to get rid of Andy Currier as his defensive coach.

The only player I have no confidence in whatsoever is Smith. Any scrum half that can't take something from a MASSIVE weight and power advantage against a side bereft of props, playing four halves, carrying two hobbling players and praying [i"Hail Mary Full Of Grace"[/i doesn't deserve a ticket to watch the game - much less wear the seven shirt.

To be fair - that fend would have "brushed off" a Tiger Tank.

Kenny dowell did get somewhat hammered last week, but watching the NRL over the last three seasons, Joey Lailua has a habit of giving his opposite number the brush off and is a very good centre/player in his own rite.

SKD has had a tremendous season for the Roosters and is a dangerous opponent for anyone, he proved that the week previous V Oz, didn't he.?
Being fair to Watkins, he wont have to face many better than Jennings, in his entire career, who is easily amongst the two top centre's playing in the NRL.

Yet I have to stress that he, Watkins, really does need to step up defensively at this level.

Referring back to Sam Tomkins, for my money he is nowhere close to being a very good F/Back let alone a great one. There are to many weaknesses in his game to so classed and I would prefer him up front where he is available to do more of the link-ups he got with Graham last week.
I accept that he can come through from the rear, but that does not happen that often from him.
I would prefer him, there and thereabouts permanently, in order to cash-in more on any of the half chances, to do what he is definitely good at, scoring tries.

He began as an halfback so it isn't a case of having to learn whats what there.

Have to go with Mugwump on his rating of Smith. He has let no one down, but then again he hasn't exactly stolen the show either and, if he could not do that last week V 'this' present Oz side he certainly will not fare any better up against the Kiwi pair or the rest of them.
A good club player in S/L, whether he is that sharp in this company, I am not so sure.

....and keep on proving it.

I've only been back two days and already I have a stalker.

I think it's the after-shave. But it could be my cultured charm.

The main areas we are out gunned are in the centres, the back row and LF
In both cases the Kiwis have more size, power, skill, a stronger defense, I could go on.........

I have faith in Ferres, I thought he was amazing in the semi finals against the kiwis in the 2013 WC and I don't think he'll let us down but Oloughlin, Farrel are never going to dazzle us, they will defend well but give us no strike in attack
I think J Tompkins is still an unknown being so fresh back from RU but has the potential to do it and I just wish he had a year of SL under his belt, it will be a different story for him next season

Watkins is gonna take an absolute pounding in defense, I do like Watkins but we are yet to see his main attribute his ability to take on the line, I wanna see him have ago

Where I do think we can beat them is in our front row and that will count for a hell of a lot, especially if we keep our props fresh and just keep pouding up the middle we can break the kiwis pack, the Burgess twins & Graham/Hill will see to that

To agree with Melmam SKD has being standout for the roosters, we've not seen him near his best yet and again he's right with the Joey Lailua fend, he could have done that to GI

I think its gonna be as close as it was at 1/4 finals I think they will just pip us

I quite fancy us this weekend. I think we'll win but not by the required margin.

Like Mugwump though I was concerned at how little the hosts and halves made of our pack last weekend, although it's certainly nice to see a kicking game in an England shirt.

Any reason why 'Chris' hasn't been changed to 'Christopher'?

The lack of consistency is a touch frustrating, especially as Josh has become Joshua, Sam has become Samuel amongst others. It also means I struggle to understand who you are referring to. Thanks in advance.

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