Yeah i agree,would love to see this game take off and maybe become our version of State of Origin,eventually turning it into a 3 game series.

I can see there being alot of fan interest for it aswell...certainly more than a non event that was the france game.

Yorkshire v Lancashire never really had the intensity for me. The biggest problem was that players were allowed to pull out through made up injuries and then still be in contention for the national side. It needs to become the pinacle of a players career to represent England v the Exiles and if it's badged in the right way it could become just that. Should put our players through a far better test.

Agree wholeheartedly with that sentiment but I'm not entirely convinced it will become that sort of SoO equivalent, for example the English exiles over in Oz who wont be released for the game will still be in contention for the national side unlike SoO so wont that diminish it's credibility?

Yeah thats a grey area. In Oz any player playing in the UK doesn't get picked for their national side. Would it benefit us to say that anyone playing in Oz becomes out of contention for the England side?

Full back
[iBrett Hodgson 48%[/i
Brent Webb 42%
Brett Kearney 7%

Wingers
[iJoel Monaghan 39%
Pat Richards 39%[/i
Francis Meli 16%
Amos Roberts 6%

Centres
[iMatt King 36%[/i
George Carmont 29%
[iIosia Soliola 25%[/i
David Howell 6%
Amos Roberts 4%

Stand Off
[iRangi Chase 87%[/i
Brett Finch 13%

Half Back
[iThomas Leuluai 64%[/i

Hooker
Danny Buderus 72%
[iMichael Monaghan 28%[/i

Props
[iWillie Mason 37%
Mark O'Meley 21%[/i
Kylie Leuluai 17%
Tony Puletua 16%
Ray Cashmere 4%
Jeff Lima 3%
Michael Vella 3%

Back Row
Craig Fitzgibbon 16%
Clint Newton 15%
[iLuke O'Donnell 15%[/i
Steven Menzies 13%
Ryan Hoffman 11%
David Fa'alogo 10%
[iDavid Faiumu 6%[/i
Ben Galea 6%
Glenn Morrison 5%

Loose Forward
[iCraig Fitzgibbon 32%[/i
Steven Menzies 17%

Is Richards going to be fit?

Good to see Tommy L has only 64% in what appears to be a one horse race too

Glad you mentioned that... dream team amended.

I think it would benefit the credibility of the Exiles game as an England call-up test, but not necessarily the national team itself. That being said it wouldn't automatically weaken it either, but traditionally the English players in Oz are a couple of our best current crop whereas the Oz players in England tend not to be; would that cease to be the case if the selection criteria was based on a SoO style Exiles game/series, keeping our best talents here? Although I would love to think so I cant see it because of the financial incentives of being good enough to play at the top level down under.

so the RFL have organised a game that will put key players at risk mid season - great idea! NOT

I assume the RFL are paying their wages, insuring them, and insuring the clubs against loss of income if a key player gets hurt?

no the rfl have put on a great game and concept that alot of fans will look forward to and credit the rfl to trying to improve the international game makes alot harder though when fans just moan about things.

What happens in the NRL if a player picks up an injury in a SOO game?

Do the NRL pay their players wages and insure them?

I meant adding Richards into the dream team... I too picked King in the Exiles!! Not sure why he's even named in the new 34 man squad if he's out for the season.