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?

Makinson is in there very much on merit. Bit of an odd one to include in that list.



Where are you getting this from? He played 27 times and was in the top 5 scorers with 23 tries.



Makinson scored 7 in the final 7 games of the season. Or 13 in the last 10.

I'm fine witth as few wigan in squad as possible, much better to have proper off season

First name on my team sheet Makinson and not only because we need a goal kicker. He has been faultless, in fact he’s been absolutely fantastic in an England shirt ever since he made his debut. He starts and then we choose another winger to go with him (unless we play him Centre, which could be an outside shout and the reason why we named 4 wingers and only 2 centres). Not that he wasn’t in form anyway but I hate the line of picking players ‘in form’ for international duty, as though everything that’s gone on before in an England shirt is forgotten about. It’s the same in football, with people calling for x, y and a to be dropped from Southgate’s team, a team that has got England most consistent results and the most success since 1966.

Williams appeal fails

I agree with you, Tommy is a shoo in when fit although I have to disagree with you about his goal kicking, his success rate was lower than Harry Smith’s in 2023.

Centre our achilles heel again...no depth whatsoever. King will do a job, but if you put Farnworth & Wardle (on this years form) in that backline it looks far more threatening. Here's to hoping that Newman lives up to the initial hype on the big stage.