He only has to wait out this season. They are both retiring.

Seems to me there's something intrinsically wrong with the idea that international players need to be 'bigger'. Why?

The Kiwi pack is big and very physical. Its a pack of the sort that simply doesn't exist in SL. A smaller forward in SL (and to a lesser extent the NRL) can get by on hard work and running good lines. Its a lot harder to do that when the collisions are bigger and all the opposition forwards are quality.

As I say, I genuinely hope Farrell proves me wrong and has a storming series. As an England fan I want to see us win.

I thought the 2 outstanding players on the pitch were Farrell and Bowen. They both scared the sh*t out of me evry time they got the ball. Also thought that by far the best team on the night lost, so it just shows it's all about taking your chances. The future is very bright for Wiggin and the rest of us can only hope that the NRL and Yawnion keep poaching your talent.

I've had the pleasure of root canal this morning, however reading this has more than eased the pain. Please God let this be true.

There was a tribute paid to Eddie Hemmings at the MOS dinner. He announced it was his last time and that the reason was Stevo's decision to retire after the next GF. Presumably they want to shuffle off together. Not a moment too soon IMO, not least because I distinctly heard him say to his companions "come on you Leeds" in the hotel bar afterwards.
EDIT: Apologies for derailing the thread.

Farrell's a great player. The niggly stuff needs to go though. Could have cost Wigan the game much sooner imo

Farrell is by no means small himself. He never takes a backward step and has played against larger players, at both club and international level, many times and fared better than most. He is in the England set up on merit.

It'll be interesting to see him up against Taupau if he gets the chance. I can't see it ending well for Faz!

Faz has come up against plenty of big players in Superleague and in international rugby and I've yet to see him be totally dominated or taken apart. He cause lots of problems going the other way with his footwork, speed and running lines and his defensive technique is impeccable.

It's not ideal to be giving size away but he can handle it IMO. That link up with George Williams and Joe Burgess has been pretty special this year at times and I expect McNamara wants to recreate that with England.

Spot on NK.
Liam Farrell is the best rugby playing second rower in SL by a mile.
He isn't the biggest but he is the best.
Personally I don't want a 17 stone but no rugby brain guy to be my main forward line breaking threat. Farrell has speed, toughness and can pass a ball well which differentiates him from Southwrn Hemisphere numnuts who consider strength to be main the only ingredient required to be a top forward.
Bring on the Kiwis

He'll do just fine. For me he's the best second row forward England have. Westwood has had his best years & Ferres doesn't have the same work ethic or ability. JJB falls into the same category as Westwood & Ablett the same as Ferres.

Good SL player Farrell, but too small at international level. Loads of energy but he'll be a penalty machine in the Test.

Who would you play in the second row then?