definitely, odds have come down from 100/1 to 20/1, shows the bookies think they have a better shot at doing well with the squad announced.

Shaul may get a look in now!

Liking the look of Tongans back too, three quarter line of

Fonua
Hurrell
Jennings
Vatuvai

Looks very good power and the speed of Jennings could be very dangerous.

dont think so
cant see any Hull FC players in the squad whilst this guy is in charge.
If there was anyone who should be included on current form its Watts

That Tonga team does look bloody good, just had a look at the groups and if they finish 2nd in their group they will probs have Fiji in the quarters, should win that, and play Australia in semis. If they could beat NZ and finish top of that group then they would probs play France (and smash them) and then England with Australia and NZ playing in the semi.

Can they beat NZ? Will be a close game that one, if they win then us or them in the final, suddenly this world cup has become very interesting!

Mark Minichiello to Captain Italy

yes he might - apparently there's no way ZH is going to any world cup any time soon

He'd been told he was ommitted. Something must of changed
Tongan squad is the most physically explosive squad I've ever seen. Probably lacks some savvy and finesse but they will be fun to watch (not to play against tho)

With rumours abounding on Casforum that Hardaker is out of World Cup consideration, Saul surely will be selected.

Nah they’ll just select Tomkins, Lomax and Ratchford.

rla very silly young manrl

If Paul Mcshane gets picked over Houghton, I think my interest in the world cup will come to an end, does anyone know when the squad is announced

....12 o'clock today.

Thank you , should be interesting , Watts and Houghton a must for me

I'm not sure we'll have any players in there unfortunately.

Houghton has Hodgson in front of him, who's likely to start, and I think Bennett will take one of, or both Roby & Clarke to offer some impact from the bench. Houghton edges McShane for me, & has had a better year than Clarke, but I don't think Bennett will see any value in taking along an 80-minute hooker who's unlikely to start.

Taylor has been to the England team meet ups and I think he's our strongest possibility of a call up because of that.

Watts has been in the top 3 props in the league this year IMO, along with Walmsley & Millington, but one look at his disciplinary record might put Bennett off. A squad of 24 could have 6 props in there though, & there certainly isn't 6 better props than him.

Shaul has a chance because of the Hardaker situation, but Ratchford, Lomax & Tomkins are all likely to be picked ahead of him.