I think without Cust he looked limited, as impressive as he is with the boot I can see why others look at him and wonder if he offers enough of a running threat.

I like Smith, he’s improved massively this season but that Leeds match was a huge opportunity for him.

I guess it’s an unfair comparison but how long did it take Saints to crack that Leeds defence?

I’m not putting all the blame on Smith but there’s definitely room for improvement as a Wigan 7.

Don't try and make this a Wigan/Saints thing. Its not like I'm advocating every English Saints player to be picked. I also expressed my surprise with Ackers and Oledzki not playing. I'd have had Oledzki in although to be fair to Wane I wouldn't be surprised if Ackers is one of those with a niggle and thats the reason he's not playing.

As I've explained, Batchelor has had a great season and given that Farrell is injured I thought he would've been a shoe in for the 17 at least.

Batchelor would be starting for me (presuming he’s fit) but it feels like Wane has decided to go with plenty of experience in the pack first up. I’m sure chances will come for everyone in the next couple of weeks and we can then go from there in the knock outs. It’s exciting in a way that the first 17 will still be really strong, yet we have some real quality like Oledzki, Batchelor and Bateman waiting to come in. The teams picked now, so let’s just hope everyone gets behind the lads and we get the win. I can’t wait for the weekend.

I can see why Wane hasn't picked Batchelor. It is similar to the reasons that Percival has continually been overlooked at international level. Completion rate and low error rates are what win big internationals and both those players make a lot of handling error. That doesn't mean to say that they dont have other strengths but Wane is somebody that bases his decisions on completion rates.

As for Ackers he will get plenty of game time but against the likes of Tonga and Samoa I don't think his defensive skills are trusted. I think we will start with Sneyd on the bench and Welsby/Williams in the halves. When Sneyd comes on we will shift Williams to 9.

Talking absolute rubbish if you think Wane is going to bring on Knowles at 9.

Victor to nine when Knowles comes on.Sneyd plays for me,some rain forecast turn there big men around with his kicking game and obviously goal kicking.