I think you need to discuss this one closer to home


Where do you stand on the Sam debate?

One thing is for sure, Sam at fullback or not at fullback simply must be in the team somewhere. That frailty under the high ball is a big worry for me but if it's a choice between him playing fullback or not at all I'd choose fullback every single time.

I just wish Smith was a slightly more robust defender. If he were I'd be moving him in to 9 and Sam in to the halves.

He's the best English full back in the world. Hardaker is solid at the back but offers nowhere near the attacking options Tomkins does. Tomkins may cost us a try, maybe he won't, but I can almost guarantee he will create chances for us to score tries that Hardaker simply doesn't have the ability to.

I believe Tomkins' kicking game is inferior to that of Widdop and Smith, his organisational play leaves a lot to be desired. His main attribute is his off the cuff running style, this style fits perfectly for the modern full back.

England would be a poorer team without Tomkins at FB.

Sam tomkins seems to have gone back after his first season in the NRL. He doesn't beat a man anymore, he doesn't attempt to take the high balls either so maybe a move to the halves would help as he has to be in the 13.

Couldn't widdup just slot back to fullback ? I wouldn't want to move Matty smith out the halves even tho I think that hodgson isn't good enough.

I agree with poster regarding Charnley at international level. He just isn't the same as he doesn't run as hard and is very easliy dominated so maybe young burgess couid come in ?

I've been hearing a lot of talk about Charnley being dominated with the ball. Here's an interesting stat from today-

Hall 130m

Charnley 136m

Hall made one fantastic long break as well (and was generally superb). He's not had his best game but I wouldn't be looking to drop Charnley.

Biggest question for next week is were does Shenton play. Watkins was poor again defensively and Hall And Sarge gave the Aussies nightmares.

There's a very good reason why Tom Briscoe has just recorded his lowest try tally in five seasons?

I just don't think he's the same for England. Maybe it's the better opposition but I highly rate Charnley at super league level but IMHO doesn't look the same player for England.

But he's getting no decent ball, a problem I highlighted when referring to Tom Briscoe. It's amazing how his try scoring has dropped since he went to Leeds with Watkins as his centre.

I can go with that but it's also his kick returns ain't as good as at Wigan. He doesn't seem to run with the same confidence.

Watkins defence isn't the greatest either.

Watkins defence is poor even in Super League nevermind International standard.