It illustrated to me that the standards of the sport have dropped alarmingly and you cannot close your mind to the fact that the Aussies are still light years ahead. Without a credible International side playing other nations competitively on a regular basis the game will only go further back in the publics perception. We have been treat as a joke by some of the broadsheets and it hurts. You can bet that when SL starts again it will be forgotton but it means the end of any credible expansion of the game.

Poms are the World Cup's pampered jokes SHAMEFUL England were last night described as disgraceful, embarrassing and pathetic after a spineless 52-4 capitulation to Australia in their World Cup clash in Melbourne on Sunday night. The English media even demanded the Poms pack their bags now and shove off back home www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/s ... 66,00.html

Poms are the World Cup's pampered jokes SHAMEFUL England were last night described as disgraceful, embarrassing and pathetic after a spineless 52-4 capitulation to Australia in their World Cup clash in Melbourne on Sunday night. The English media even demanded the Poms pack their bags now and shove off back home www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/s ... 66,00.html

I think the average man in the street is well aware of our failings at international level. It is the people picking the team who don't seem to have a clue. As for the English media they are always quick to knock rugby league at any opportunity. Quoting from the Sun is worse than quoting from a kids comic.

We were embarrassed watching it and lost interest very quickly.

www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sp ... 887667.ece totally true no matter how controversial schofield can be, hes bang on the money for me in this one

www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sp ... 887667.ece totally true no matter how controversial schofield can be, hes bang on the money for me in this one

There isn't (and shouldn't) be any problem, this place is a bit like a love fest at times where players/coaches/the club can do no wrong, so having people like me around provides something to counter that.

Calderwood is not of the required quality for Hull FC to challenge in SL, that is a simple fact. There are no other FC players in the squad so I can't make comment on them, so whilst it looks like I am singling Calderwood out I am not.

Who would you of gone for then as a winger for our quality? An English winger seeing as everyone moans (including me) that we waste a quota spot on wingers that we hardly use?

I'd take a gamble on one of our youngsters personally, especially with no P/R.

P/R?

promotion/relegation

Gotcha.

Tbh I think Calderwood was the best available option tbh without going overseas and into the U21's. Like you say taking a gamble on a youngster is risky. Whereas with Mark we've got an experienced, proven try scoring winger. But If we hadn't of got Calderwood, then I would have gone for a youngster also and not a overseas player.

Thought he was one of the better players over the weekend and am really looking forward to seeing him in b&w before i judge him.

I'm judging him on his season for Wigan, he may well prove me wrong, I hope he does.

Came to life for them towards the last 2 months and was one of the main reasons behind their playoff place and run IMO. Had a poor 2 years prior to that but im willing to give the guy a chance. His renewed enthusiasm and motivation has been rewarded by England and i only hope we see it too.