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.

What's interesting in your quote NK is that all three are Wigan boys. I give you, 'Ancient and Loyal'.

https://www.wigantoday.net/sport/rugby- ... ms-4378881 “Since coming into the England squad last year, I’ve been really impressed with Jack’s performances on the field but his actions and behaviour away from the field have impressed me just as much. “We have a lot of senior players within the squad who are natural leaders but with the international schedule locked in for the next four years we need to look to the future and Jack is a massive part of that.” I think the key here is the quote about how Jack conducts himself in private, it is what Wigan has built its season on.

https://www.wigantoday.net/sport/rugby- ... ms-4378881 “Since coming into the England squad last year, I’ve been really impressed with Jack’s performances on the field but his actions and behaviour away from the field have impressed me just as much. “We have a lot of senior players within the squad who are natural leaders but with the international schedule locked in for the next four years we need to look to the future and Jack is a massive part of that.” I think the key here is the quote about how Jack conducts himself in private, it is what Wigan has built its season on.

Probably the obvious choice really, particularly when it comes to building for the future. I can't see another candidate who ticks all the boxes in that squad. Maybe Radley?

Probably between those 2 and then maybe Bateman? There aren’t too many jumping out at us. We really need a few of the younger squad members to kick on now, build their reputations in this series and start to take over from the old guard.