Have to say I think Marshall has been unlucky. He's been superb this season.

Come on, seriously?

Quite serious and easily done too.

I don't want to paint Johnstone as a flash in the pan, but what's he actually done before this season? I can give you a list of at least 5 to 10 times Marshall has delivered in BIG games over the last 3 years.

Maybe not, but he's certainly been better than Makinson, particularly at the back end of the season. That's nothing against Tommy who probably deserves his place as the incumbent rather than on form. He's never let us down internationally either and we know that Wane often errs on the side of reputation and loyalty. Marshall can count himself unlucky though.

There are a few strange choices in that squad even given Wane's idiosyncrasies. Has Currie had a good season? His own fans seem to think not. Danny Walker too has come in for lots of criticism.

I suppose at the end of the day Waney will always do things his own way. I don't always agree; his penchant for 1 dimensional grafters in the forwards (in his own image if you will) has always been a bit of a bone of contention with me. However, the proof of the pudding and all that...

I would also add Newman to the list of surprises and he certainly has not got in on this seasons form.
Minchella would have been a good shout.

I was going to mention Newman. Given that Waney was very critical of his attitude just a couple of weeks ago it does seem a strange turn around. Possibly Wardle and Farnsworth's injuries have forced his hand somewhat.

Marshall has certainly been better than Makinson this season but I think Makinson has enough credit in the bank to keep his place.

Come on, I like Marshall but Johnstone is a better player and more suited to international rugby league take the blinkers off

Wardle/KPP/lomax/Walmesley not selected due to injuries

No arguments really considering the above
Maybe 1 or 2 that can count themselves lucky/unlucky but overall a decent squad
Talk of Wane having favourites in the way it is implied is ridiculous, he may have favourites but it will be because of what he knows they can or can't do.d

Not sure how anyone can say it's a decent squad when almost half of the 24 have either been injured for the majority of 2023, or play for teams who've massively under performed?

Makinson, Bateman, Burgess, Clarke, Walker, Currie, Hill, Ashton, Newman - either injured, or are big/important players in sides that have massively under performed.

A few have credits in the bank and I understand/respect that. Others have nothing and have been picked over others with some good run of form against their names.

Who would you have in instead of the ones named above?

O’Neill over Walker for a start unless I’m missing something for eligibility?