Really looking forward to this today.



I think this England team is the strongest we have seen for a while and I’m excited to see how they go against a, whilst not at full strength, strong Samoan side.



Not a fan of Bateman being in the 19 but I think the rest of the squad is about right. A real shame Wardle is out but Newman usually goes well for England so is a decent deputy.

I've always been a huge fan of international rugby league and only wish the game in general wasn't under the thumb of the NRL and having to dance to it's tune. How we cannot get organised and get a detailed plan of future fixtures in place is holding the game back.



That to one side though, at least we have these fixtures. I think we're guilty as a nation of Rugby League fans of underestimating our own players sometimes, especially now fixtures against the Aussies and Kiwis are so few and far between. I'd back us to take any side out bar the Aussies currently because we're better in the spine positions. There isn't much that a spine of Welsby, Williams, Smith, Clark and Radley don't possess and throw in Lewis and hopefully down the track Brad O'Neill and it's exciting. We just need some young forwards to build their reputations now. I think we'll win these two games with a bit to spare.

All that's true, NK. And yet, we can't give tickets away...

This is what I don't understand,fans moan that there isnt enough international games and that RL do not get the exposure it deserves and yet a great fixture like this should fill a stadium the size of Wigan's.



Lets hope there is more than the 15,000 as predicted.

Get behind the boy's and get to the game.

To be honest that’s partly why I started this thread. A little shocked to see the apathy and lack of discussion about England playing the World Cup Finalists at Wigan.

And ironically, the fact that it's on the telly doesn't help.

Bateman over Nsemba. Joy.

What was the total today.

Around 15,500.

Bateman is now a spent force,should go with Nsemba next game,Matty Ashton great winger no doubt,just give Marshall a game just to see what he can do (with my Wigan hat on).



Not a bad game,we need more internationals and more fans buying into them.

Anyone going to Leeds? Is the train a realistic option? It's a bit of haul to drive. Coaches take forever, and I'm not sure if Mayfair are doing them, there's nothing on their website.

Nsemba should’ve been nailed on to play. Have to say, walking to the ground and I found out he wasn’t playing, on top of already knowing Wardle was missing and Thompson being banned, it really dampened the enthusiasm I had for the game. Nsemba is a marketable phenom we should be proud to have in the game and one that we need to get behind, not someone like Bateman who should be put out to pasture with a few others.

I totally understand the selection today. I was disappointed Nsemba wasn’t picked but I get why and to be fair I think it was one of Batemans better performances.



We are in danger of fast tracking Nsemba and looking at the bigger picture he’s played 3/4 or a season and this is his first time in an England camp.



His time will come, maybe next week, or maybe next year let him develop, which he still has a lot to do.



Bateman brought his usual bit of niggle that was needed against the Samoan team.



Ashton and Young are nailed on starting wingers now if they are fit and rightly so. I wouldn’t swap Marshall for Ashton at club level but at international level I think Ashton is better suited, I actually had him as my MOTM today. Thought Farnworth, Radley and Havard were very good too.



Wane I think got his tactics and team selection right I’d expect to see Thompson next week but other than that if everyone is fit I’d be ok with same again.



Very enjoyable afternoon.