It's the balance of the squad I don't get at all. No cover at wing/centre seems crazy when you're taking 4 halfbacks. People will always have personal faves so the personnel will get questioned but that seems nuts to me.

I disagree. McGilvarry and Hall will play all games barring injury. They are not generally injury prone, so it's a fair bet they will play all 5/6 games easily. As for centre Ratchford and Bateman provide cover. Ratchford is probably a better centre than Shenton in any case, and Bateman lets no-one down (ever). It's only a 24 man squad and we will playing against some very physical teams so we need plenty of cover in the pack.

Have you seen the size of the wingers for some of these teams? Certainly questionable to only take two wingers and two hookers.

Actually I can now see why they've gone with only two wingers. The chance of Hall and McGilvary getting any decent ball outside the two chosen centres is minimal. Saints fans on Red Vee have moaned often enough on here about Percivals passing/decision making and I've said much the same about Watkins for ages.

wouldnt have taken Lomax, Tomkins or Farrell. Its a joke that Shenton and Eden arent going. Form counts for nothing with the internationals still I see.

It doesn’t really matter anyway, Australia will win it without lifting a finger.

I agree with everything that Rogues wrote. Tomkins proved in that game at Saints that he is a far better player than Lomax. Can't believe he has been omitted.

Centre I get, we've got players who can fill in but I just don't understand not taking any wing cover. I get your point that those two have good injury records but you just don't push your luck. We've got 12 lads to cover the prop and back row positions (of which there will probably be 8 in a match day squad) but only 2 players to cover 2 wing positions. It may not be as physical the position but i'd still rather take one less forward and have some cover.

Tomkins is done as a top quality player.

He whole game was based around speed and agility, he has lost both of them due to injuries.

At his best he did nothing at international level, in his current state he would be a liability.

Lomax isn't exactly a world class fullback either, but it's not a travesty that Tomkins wasn't selected.

you cant be serious??

Tomkins nor Lomax deserve to go but as many on here i am glad that Sam isnt going so he can get a pre season in him. We are struggling for the FB position in the absence of Hardaker. What a divvy. How Eden cant get a call up is an outrage. I know he has had it pretty easily to be harsh in just having to finish off the Cas moves but he has done it with roaring success and scored a pon full of tries. I understand why Hall and McGilvarry have been picked. Size and strength but not to have Eden in there as at least cover is pretty scandalous. As someone has mentioned even Tom Davies would have been worth taking. His power, strength and aggression at bringing the ball out would have been an asset in case of any injuries. Got a funny feeling this decision is going to bite Bennett on the aris. How can he not think there is a chance of his wingers getting injured against the tough tackling tanks they will be coming up against.

Is the squad final? Could he ask players to be available in case of emergency (difficult to see senior players agreeing to this). If not the 2 wingers with no obvious fill ins is indeed baffling.