I'd have Brough and Chase playing together myself.

I'm not a fan of the 'we know what he can do' stance. The national team barely have any games together as it is so I personally would prefer to put the strongest side out whenever possible to at least promote some sort of familiarity.

amazes me that houghton isnt in the england team, mcillorum does nothing for me... put him in at salford and he wouldnt be nowhere near the national set-up...

Whilst I'm genuinely disappointed for Danny that he wasn't chosen, from a purely selfish viewpoint I'm delighted. The last thing we need as a club just now is for one of our star players to be injured in a game that means absolutely nothing. Likewise I'm pleased that Tom and Ben weren't picked.

mcillorum is a good player but a liability. Wind him up and his head'll go. Houghton should be in there but I'm glad we don't have any players in the squad. Massive second half of the season this little rest will do us good as we push for a top 4.

You could say that about many players. Playing alongside quality players can bring the best out of an individual.

As has been pointed out, from a selfish point of view its one less gain for which he could cop an injury. ATEOTD, the exiles game is a glorified trail game, like the old Yorks / Lancs games were. One of those finished Prescots career.

Tbh it doesn't surprise me that Houghton hasn't been selected. In front of him he has Roby, Mc'Ilorum, Burrow and Lunt.

All so called big names for England. Only one i'd take from any is Burrow as he destroy's teams with being small quick and agile.

Danny should be in the squad but as previously stated in posts above, it's Englands loss and our gain as he will be fresh for the next game.