England Physically has the attributes to make a SL front row forward.

What he does lack at the present time IMO is the kind of cool clam and composed nature that has helped Chris Hill make the transition from Championship to SL without a problem and is far to easily drawn into a poop fight.

Jury will stay out on England for me and would not be surprised to be seeing him play against us again at some point this coming year.

Should be a good game but will mean nothing win or lose.

Is there seats still left on the coach Linda

What has Armstrong done in the friendlies to warrant a shirt? IMO we have better options in the three quarters and Higson, Littler and even Gardner will all feel they have staked a bigger claim so far than Tom for a centre spot.

My starting 13 for the first league game v Batley, based on observations so far.

McNally
Maden
Littler
Higson
Brown
Ridyard
Brierley
Spencer
Kay/Beswick
Wilkes
Haggerty
Goulden
Barlow

With Kay/ Beswick occupying one spot on the bench, The rest of the squad would be fighting it out for the remaining 3 subs places IMO.

The usual suspects in the backs were short of pace last season, sticking with them this season isn't the solution when there are quicker alternatives. Misplaced loyalty doesn't accrue league points.

Totally agree.

So when the season proper starts who would you play in the threequarters ?

Nothing wrong with pack' halfbacks and fullback position options imo.

Would anyone play Kay and Govin in the centres for eg ?

I would start with Maden, Higson, Armstrong & Brown but we are still a good centre short.

What's wrong with Gardner?

Well we have had criticisms of our threequarters defence and in some cases lack of pace.

Glad I am not coach but I am playing devils advocate' it is PR who will have to find the best options.

Another agree
Madens been a great servant but is a weak link now as first choice, handy to have in the squad
Tom Armstrong played right centre at Sheffield, and that's were Wigan and Wire hit us at the start of the second half. Gardner played left centre last year but I assume he isn't fit yet, but Armstrong needs to play right imho or can Sarsfield do a job as left centre?
Seen some brilliant try's in the friendlies, and the work off the ball in attack is so much better. Higson and Brown will score a pan full this season, as will Kaye and Kes

Nothing wrong with Gardner but I didn't pick him, is it a problem for you?

I too feel its perhaps a season too far for Maden also....as long as we have a replacement for him

Why would that be a problem for me? You said we're a good centre short and I asked what's wrong with Gardner as IMO he's a good centre & he wasn't mentioned. I know Fred Parky said in pre season training Mado's looked good & despite his lack of pace he's been reliable but he hasn't looked great in the friendlies. Brown's new to the club so he needs to be given time to get his game right that said if he performs like he has done again on sunday at Fax (shocking defending) I'd drop him for the Batley game.