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O'Laughlin as captain, you're having a giraffe

Well something had to be done.

Though playing experimental sides against the French may give all the answers I fear.

I think Murrell might get a call-up too seeing as his injury last year prevented him from getting the chance.

After what Smith said about Gleeson, I can see him Picking Welham to play alongside Foxy, as he has already spoken highly of him.

Dont get me wrong Kris Welham is a good player and will do a very good job for years to come. International quality though, I have my doubts. I dont think he has the essential physical and technical attributes.

Not sure Fox will be a shoe in tbh looking at the wingers who have emerged this season, much more competition for places now. Think it depends on who he plays at fullback too.

If Smith plays at fullback then he has a choice of Hodgson, Hall, Fox, Ainscough, Gardner, Calderwood and Raynor (if fit). If he chooses a different fullback then Smith is also another winger to add to the list.

As for Welham, I don't think he is international class.

Quite a few players in front of Kris, can't see him being anywhere near the team this year.

This may get laughed at and raise a few eyebrows, but on this seasons form Liam Colbon could be worth a shout for a squad place? thoughts?

Who, Not many s about who would be of age at the next world cup.I Am inclined to agree its early for Kris, but if its an experimental squad with one eye on the future, I think there may be quite a few shocks to come tomorrow, and I wouldn't write him off, and as far as the wingers go I think its wishful thinking on your behalf Paul, Calderwood(totally flopped at the world cup) Raynor (Past his best, 31yrs old Finshed with England) Ainscough,(can't get in the Wigan Team) Gardner, (Fox slaughtered him at their place) Fox ( he's a Rovers player so he shouldn't be picked )

Briscoe and Fox, definitely. Murrell would be a good call but I can't see it happening just yet.

That mistake of him playing for his country wont happen again.

Smith, if picked at all, should be at centre where he is playing for his club and where England are not currently spoilt for choice. Ainscough has a lot of promise, but is still being brought along slowly by Wigan. I think he and Tom Briscoe are part of the next next generation. Gardner and Calderwood have had a chance and I imagine that this 'revolution' will see them sent to the back of the queue. Hodgson and Hall each have a good case, but I can't see [iboth[/i getting in ahead of Fox. Raynor is IMO still one of the best wings in SL, but given his long lay-off, the fact that he already has plenty of experience and remembering he is now 31, his inclusion wouldn't be particularly forward looking.

There are probably better options at centre than Welham, but not that many or very much better. Shenton and Atkins, as suggested in the article seems reasonable.



His versatility for a touring party might be good, but he'd need some improvement to make him first choice for any one position. If someone like Wilkin, who can play SR, is picked at LF I think Murrell might be a good bench option, covering hooker and the halves as well.

Good post, I think most teams can make an argument for most of their young players, which is great and shows that the home trained player rules are starting to pay dividends, so any player over 30, I think may struggle to get in this "Revolutionary Squad".