I thought Sam Tomkins was ok in the first game, good in the second and pretty poor in the third. His game has changed, there's no doubt about it. He used to love to take the line on and at times didn't pick the correct pass but he's now a real creative player preferring to use his runners around him then go himself.

He looks more then ready to move to stand off now. His game looks far more suited to that position then at fullback given how he's playing. I thought Smith did pretty well in this tournament but I can't help but feel we'd be a better side with Tomkins and Widdop (who needs to do more) in the halves.

I'm encouraged by the whole 4 nations.

We are still within touching distance of both NZ and Aus, (you could argue the worst Aus team in recent memory though). Some of the senior citizens of the England team have gone (for the better IMO) and I think we'd be in the final had Slammin Sam not gone.

from a Wigan point of view

Sarg's rehabilitation seems to be coming on leaps and bounds, at London, due to lack of quality around him was forced to be greedy, now at the higher level it is more about creating space and choosing when to go yourself and when to give the winder that half yard.

Tomkins looks better each game since his return from yawnion

Dan Sarginson was a revelation. Hand on heart - I was so nervous for him before the Aussie game and he was superb. Then I thought maybe it was a one-off and he'll blow up against NZ, but he was even better.

Now did ANYONE see that coming in the middle of August at Hull KR when he was so poor? He has improved beyond belief since that night.

Credit to Shaun Wane or whoever at Wigan spotted that potential. Also he must be a confident type of lad because many players would have been overawed by a debut against Aussie in Aussie.

Since this time last year he has played in a World Club Challenge, a Grand Final and played for England twice (and lost the lot - though that is certainly not down to him). So there is lots to be enthusiastic about next year and lots for him personally and (the team) collectively to aim for.

Personally I can't wait for next season.

i thought budgie should have played instead of charnley against NZ, the stats may back charnley up but they rarely win you games on their own. looked ineffective, partially down to Watkins, however I thought watkins, in defence in particular, was superb in the first two games so it is unfair to blame charleys "poor" tournament on that.

hill is and continues to be a revelation in the England team. the burgess brothers give us a great platform for years to come. widdop for me was the biggest flop, I'd rather have sinfield in there! a lomax and smith partnership will do nicely for me moving forwards.

hodgson didn't do much for me either, a fit roby or mcilorum would easily take his place in the squad.

all in all we have a lot to be positive about, that squad was very young and certainly has the potential to win tournaments over the next few years if we can keep the starting 13 fit.

I think a lot of people are forgetting about Reed as a centre.

He's certainly the best overall one that we have.

He looked good at Brisbane earlier this year before he got injured. He can play left or right too. But Watkins and Sarg have those places to lose now. They did enough over the tournament to earn another go next year.

Sarginson was excellent and a real surprise for most fans. Watkins showed glimpses of what he can do but he seems to have lapses in concentration. A move to the NRL would be ideal for him. He's classy enough and he'd learn a hell of a lot.

To be honest I think any one of England's starting 17 could get a gig in the NRL and it's been a long time since we could say that about the team.

I think the problem with Charnley is that he appears so laid back at times, I think it annoys people. Overall he was OK throughout the 4Ns, and he was in there on merit. I do think however that if Burgess and Lineham can stay fit and develop as we all hope then he won't be first choice much longer. Another player I really like is Jermaine McGilvery at Hudds. He's a real wrecking ball kick returner, gets a quick PTB and has genuine pace, he is however very error prone

calm down precious, no one has said that

Quote: suffolk rhinos "calm down precious, no one has said that'" But it was so much better when we had all those super Leeds and Saints players and that brilliant Tony Smith as coach wasn't it? www.theguardian.com/sport/2008/n ... eagueteam1

Quote: suffolk rhinos "calm down precious, no one has said that'" But it was so much better when we had all those super Leeds and Saints players and that brilliant Tony Smith as coach wasn't it? www.theguardian.com/sport/2008/n ... eagueteam1

Which i why i used the word... Gist.... Precious..

That's spot on, I like Smith and is the most improved player in SL the past three years, just lacks that flair, moment of magic attribute. It's a shame Brough didn't get picked last year, he and Widdop would be ideal.

Given the season he had I was surprised Kevin Brown didn't make the squad.