The strange this is that I feel England might impress this year, even if they don't necessarily win the trophy.

The disadvantage of Steve Mac's habitual odd selections could be outweighed by the advantage brought to us by the amazing form of our NRL-based contingent. On top of that, you could pick a pretty decent side out of our Big Four alone, even if it would be a little light on actual superstars. We'll certainly be able to field a very fearsome pack.

If this happens, will the assumption be that Steve Mac is a good coach after all, or will the Aussies be able to see beyond that?

Personally, I'm with Pemps on this. I think it's a fabrication designed to cause discord in the England camp. But if the net result was that Steve Mac got poached, I wouldn't be too bothered - the only real concern would be who gets the job next, and which one or our assistant coaches (Deacs?) might they start tapping up?

He's going and taking Wilkin and JJB with him as his star signings.

Wayne Bennett was the assistant to Stephen Kearney when NZ won the 2008 World Cup.

I'd be delighted

Classic dirty tricks. Can you imagine if you were an England player how you could have your mind on the World Cup now, knowing that McNamara could be poached after the tournament? Who could we ever get to replace him?

I predict that we will not win the World Cup now. Remember where you heard it first.