Quote: Trainman "If everyone is fully fit there are a few certainties and a few difficult decisions.
Full Back. Between Tomkins & Lomax for me. Lomax has been better this year, Sam was good in the handful of games he was fit for (up to the Wakefield game). It's difficult to call because of Sam's recent injuries, all things considered I'd go for Lomax however if Sam gets back to form and fitness he could change that.
Wingers. Manfredi IMO is the best we've got, I don't think Burgess is at the level of Hall or McGilvray yet, in a year or two I think he will overtake them. Tom Johnston could do the same. I'd got for McGilvray as he has a bit more pace but it's a tough call leaving Hall out.
Centres. Probably outer weakest position, I'd agree with the OP going for Watkins and Percival, the latter I expect to end up in the NRL if he wants to go, he reminds me of Newlove, brilliant player IMO.
Stand Off. I'm not jumping on the Williams band wagon just yet. I think he is a very good player but needs to improve his decision making at crucial times before making the step up to internationals. I'd go for Widdop but expect Williams to overtake him in a year or so.
Scrum Half. Easy IMO, Luke Gale.
Props. We hale plenty of good choices here, Graham and Hill are no brainers, I'd opt for George Burgess and Scott Taylor off the bench. Plenty off back up too with the likes of Tom Burgess, Walmsley & Watts.
Hooker. Hodgeson to start with Clark off the bench. Hodgeson is a top all round hooker and Clark gives a great impact. Roby can consider himself unlucky as he is still top class.
Second Row. Again a lot of choices here, I'd start with Bateman and Whitehead and bring Currie off the bench, plenty of other contenders, the best probably being Ward & Farrell.
Loose. Sam Burgess, he has to be in somewhere. SOL has been and still is a great player but his time in internationals is gone IMO.
Having said that my team is probably different to the one I picked 3 months ago and will probably be different mid way through next year.'"
Broadly agree except I would have given Shaul a go, he really impressed me in the passed few month of the year.
Also I would have Ferres at second row playing next to Watkins, as there combinations and understanding could prove vital.
I fear that Currie (like Farrell) will prove to skinny to play internationally at second row, though he could do a job at left centre
With the squad as it is, I would go with Lomax at fullback and at second row start Whitehead and Bateman with Ward off the bench (you guys might not rate him but there are very few guys in world RL with his ball skills who can make 40 tackles per game)