It’s one thing you don’t get to see much of the goal kicking percentages. That does surprise me but then I’ve not followed it that closely and I’m going off how he kicked for England last year in the World Cup pretty much. I certainly don’t think Smith needs the pressure of the kicking, especially with how the media got after him this season. They couldn’t mention his name without mentioning that he’d missed a few kicks at goal.

I’m not sure you know. If we can lose Farnworth, Percival and Wardle and fall back on King and Newman, I don’t think that’s bad at all in terms of depth, especially by our standards. It wasn’t long ago Bateman was playing there such was the lack of options.

That's a fair point you've made there. I'd be feeling hard done to if I was Thewlis that Newman had been selected and not me also...if indeed we do have one eye on the next RLWC, having this lad in even as a 3rd centre would carry some long-term benefit. Thinking about it, I feel quite strongly that it should've been done at the expense of one of the forwards selected.

I'm just glad Waney doesn't pick the Wigan team anymore......

Apologies if I'm wrong as I can only comment on the games I've seen where he's looked like he was still struggling with his injury. I've seen a couple of late season games and he looked largely ineffective, including the semi final. Meanwhile Marshall has looked sharp for over 2 months.

Fine if you disagree. You see him more than I do and I am only commenting on what I have seen. Do you honestly think he's been at his best? Genuine question.

I think he’s been consistently very very good this season and actually got better as the season went on. He had a slow start which Wellens touched upon a couple of times but has been really good since. He had only scored 2 tries by Round 11 but finished with 24 tries in 27 games which is a great return and shows that the 2nd half of the season was brilliant for him. The comment from someone about him being injured for the majority of the season was baffling. The semi-final was a poor game to judge as we were awful with the ball and it was very much a “grind” with 5 drives and a kick being the order of the day for 80 minutes.

He probably hasn’t been at his career-best, to answer your question, but he’s still at a very very high standard week in week out and of all people to be questioned on his England selection, he’d be way down the list.

Without injuries/suspensions, I would have had the backs as

Welsby
Young
Farnworth
Wardle
Makinson
Williams
Smith

Newman, King and Lewis aren't improving on this

That’s a very balanced an exciting back line IMO, wish it was available this series.

Oh, I certainly wasn't questioning his selection. I rate him very highly. I was just pointing out that Marshall can count himself unlucky as he's been up there with the best this season. I'll revise my form comment based on what you say to he's been at least the equal of Makinson this season. Regardless, as I pointed out, Tommy was always going to get the nod ahead of him as he has so much credit in the bank.

Marshall has been excellent this year. I’d have had no arguments with him being in there over Johnstone. Like you said, I think Makinson and Young have international credits in the bank.

What channel is doing the rugby league
on Sunday

bbc1

Welsby named England captain for the first two Tests. Some great comments from Wane as to why he has chosen him.

Well deserved. He’s totally committed to playing for England and firstly I admire guys like him and Makinson for always sticking to that. His competitive nature is infectious and he looks to have a belief that he can win any game. I actually see him as a better fit for captain than George Williams but that’s for another day.

That's fine by me, Waney knows what he is doing.