After his disastrous cameo in the World Cup where he was asked to play three positions in 20 minutes, I wonder whether Tony Smith feels he owes Paul Sykes another shot?

I know. After how he played last year (and this season) and his comments about Smith I am shocked he's in.

After Sykes questioning of Smith after the WC I'm very surprised to see him in there.

Won't be for long mind.

He'll be there as token gesture to TS's mate mcbanana!!!
Either that or he'll be cleaning the jockstraps!

I'd tip for the latter!

He hardly got the fairest of shots in the WC, in fairness.

But after seeing how he's played the latter end of the season, I'm less surprised than I would have been previously. He's been a revelation at 6, and has been one very big factor in our too-late resurgence. But if Smith thinks to play him in the three-quarters...hmm.

Staggered no Lynch though.

Might just be making this up but I'm sure I read somewhere that Lynch wasn't available for selection this Winter because he's getting married in Aus?

Could be wrong though.

Is Rob Purdham injured? Thought he'd be in if fit

I'm no fan of Sykes, but he's been excellent over the last couple of months for the Bulls so if you're going with form, why not.

My only question would be that this form has been at 6 and can we really see him playing 6 for England?!

Yes.

Was picking my England team with a mate today and we both totally forgot about Gaz Ellis, just shows out of sight out of mind

If you're going to be that fair then fair enough, in fairness.

Me too but it is a position in which we're blessed. The older heads are Peacock, Morley and Carvell with young guns like Graham, LMS and Crabtree so I guess he just missed the cut unfortunately.

looks like sykes outcry earlier in the year has worked, altho i don't expect him to get anywhere near the team. had he not have been in the squad, he would have been crying in the press again. this time that tony smith has a problem with him/tony smith doesn't like players talking/i'm stilled blamed for the world cup loss and thats the only reason he wasn't included.

According to the Dulls board, Lynch is getting married, (athough there is a bit of controversy as to who!) but maybe Smith was aware of this when naming his squad.

What he said.

Prop is one of those rare positions within the squad that is well covered and Lynch may have missed out on selection on merit.

Yep, that's correct.

He’s already married isn’t he to an australian

1. Shaun Briscoe
2. Peter Fox
3. Martin Gleeson
4. Michael Shenton
5. Ryan Hall
6. Danny McGuire
7. Rob Burrow
8. James Graham
9. Scott Moore
10. Jamie Peacock
11. Sam Burgess
12. Gareth Ellis
13. Kevin Sinfield

14. James Roby
15. Adrian Morley
16. Jamie Jones-Buchanan
17. Earl Crabtree

Given the form that Senior is showing, could he be tempted out of retirement to gain a few more jerseys for e-bay?

I would hope he would only play if he thought he could win, he should remember you can retire as many times as you like

Regarding lynch's non selection for england,he is in oz getting married? this wedding was supposedly booked ages ago!
what does this say about the players attitude to his club?


[i"the bulls are 5hite and we definately wont be in the top 8,so i'm free that week to get married in oz my love" [/iicon_lol.gif

That's quite enough of that.

That would be quite "controvertial" I guess.

As we both know sometimes it's even easier to agree than disagree just for the sake of it.

It weren't even about Leeds so meh.

Lynchy is indefinitely unavailable for international selection as per his own wishes. Goes back to last year and him being 'injured' for the World Cup.