Quote: Freddie Miller. "Bennett will start with his World Cup final back 3 of Sam Burgess, Whitehead and SOL. Bennett has also likened Bateman to Jack Reed who Bennett consistently used as a defensive centre for both Engand and the Broncos so expect Percival to partner Bateman. A bench spot for Connor.
Don't get the picking of 5 props(not including Sam B.) plus several out of form club players are really fortunate to have made the 19. Bennett obviously puts past performance over current form.'"
O'Loughlin was injured unfortunately, we actually started with Burgess at 13 and Currie at 2nd Row. I'm still bitter about that final, long way to go to lose, and I'm sure if we had SO'L, and a change at halfback and centre, we'd have won.
It's a 19-man, so I'd expect a prop to miss out on the 17 with S.Burgess in the 2nd row as you say. I'm not sure Bennett has picked many out of form, he's brought in Makinson, Thompson & Connor which is great, but you also have to ensure continuity with proven test match players & some versatility just in case (Ratchford), we can't throw 13 novices in there.