Quote: SaleSlim "I think Smith is a decent player but only at SL level, I just don't think he has the skill-set to shine on the international stage. I'm not singling him out btw and I didn't see anything in the 3 matches that would have had the Aussies purring.
I didn't slate the inclusion of Sarginson purely on the basis that I don't think Cudjoe or Shenton are up to international rugby either. IMO, he couldn't do any worse and I'm glad to say I thought he was excellent as I really think we're lacking in the centres and he's rightly claimed the shirt for the foreseeable future. FWIW, I genuinely believe that Wigan were a perfect example of the whole being greater than the sum of the parts last season. A lot of this down to some excellent coaching and a great defensive structure. Again IMO, there were better options than JT and Charnley but I believe they were given the nod over reputation and the team they play their club rugby for.'"
You genuinely thought Sarginson was the correct choice when the squad was announced? Rather than in hindsight I mean. If that's true then fair play to you but I can honestly say you are in a select group of 1 as I haven't seen or heard of a single example of any non Wigan fan thinking that was the correct option prior to the tournament.
I'll give you JT was a risk based on his relatively few games back in League. But who would your replacement have been? Ferres was worse, and the great hope Whitehead was shown to be completely out of his depth when he did get the chance. I'm not suggesting he isn't one for the future but this tournament wasn't played in the future. As it stands his defence was always suspect and, as you pointed out above, there is a world of difference between ripping it up in superleague and doing it on the International stage. You mentioned dream teamer, double winner and Lance todd trophy winner Smith as not being good enough in your opinion as well as leading try scorer for 2 of the last 3 seasons, Charnley. So who should have taken their places and why?