Lomax looks real quality in my opinion, although he had a poor game vs the Bulls, Gaskell is showing up well at the moment, again not his best vs Bradford, but showing great promise.

I would say Lomax is nailed on for a big career in SL, and if Gaskell keeps improving the way he has thus far also could be a top player at this level.

Lomax and Gaskell are good but nowhere near an England call up. Or shouldn't be. England's first choice half backs should be Widdop at 6 and Brough 7.
Whether McNamara sees it that way is another matter altogether.
His team selection for the Exiles games was curious to say the least.

Come the Four Nations but both were unavailable for the Exiles game. It was the perfect chance to try something new, something different. McNamara's choice of half-backs was disappointingly half-hearted.

Not to mention some of his other choices ie Wilkin and Peacock.

Wilkin/Westwood were Englands best players on the night

Westwood yes, Wilkin has no place anywhere near the England team

Wilkin went well but he has been tried tested and failed time and time again, silly selection if we are trying to develop the International team, same can be said of the pointless call up of JBB.

who?

He clearly meant JJB.

I actually don't think Wilkin is a major issue or concern, it what could have been used as a development exercise McBanana used a 13 at 6 who is at the back end of his career over some up and coming prospects who play regularly in the halves.
I understand the concept of putting out your best team no matter what, but I feel this was bad move from the coach.

I personally think Wilkin is a good player despite others, a very skillful second row forward, this has been proven when he's filled in at 6, not many SR could do a job in the halves.


I honestly think the coach is the real issue. The RFL seemed so hell bent on contracting an English man, they overlooked other much neeeded qualities.

The way he structured the halves was questionable, for me one of the main attacking options is getting Sam to link up in the line as we do, however there was no evidence of this, as a Wigan fan, I found it very frustrating to watch.

Here's a question, when Ellis/Burgess et al are in the team, does Westwood start for England?

He's really changed my opinion of him and I think possibly Ellis/Westwood should be the 11/12 for England come 4 Nations time

Burgess to prop.

Yes.

Burgess on the bench for me to add impact. That's if he's fit.

Correct in place of Jamie Peacock.

Props - Adrian Morley, James Graham, Eorl Crabtree, Sam Burgess
Back row - Gareth Ellis, Ben Westwood, Joel Tomkins

With Roby and Robinson at hooker and Lockers (or possibly Sinfield) at loose forward we have an excellent set of forwards. Widdop and Brough in the halves looks promising. Sam Tomkins at fullback - Ryan Hall and Tom Briscoe both capable on the wing.

Westwood should be the first name on the teamsheet for England based on recent performances.

But the fact is, Jamie Peacock will start for England come Four Nations time... Where does he slot Burgess in to the team? I'm positive Burgess will play, what with the hype and Mcbanana's Bradford connection with him...