I agree. Had saints swapped Eastmond and Pryce round, they may well have provided more danger in that game.

Eastmond probably deserves his call up. Bridge and Sykes are nonsensical decisions.

I know but he will still have those attacking abilities wherever he plays. If he can get 1 on 1 with Shillington or Hannant he should make them look stupid.

seeing as the wasps season has already started and they actually wanted Smith early can't see him still being registered after saturday

The forwards are awesome and will match the Kiwi's and Aussie's. A half combo of McGuire and Myler could be ok behind a dominant pack. But its the centres and FB that worry me. Thank goodness Falou aint playing.

Smith being selected shows just how short of centres we are, we should have brought Senior and Gleeson back. We have very little experience in our backs I believe McGuire will be the most experience at international level back in the 13 and that will cost us.

Name me four better England qualified centres available for selection?

Where he's going after this tournament is irrelevant. You pick your strongest side to win the competition you are in.

Just checked the Wasps first 15 and Lee is on there now?

The wasp site states" Moving from Rugby League's Leeds Rhinos in the forthcoming month of November, Lee Smith will find himself running out as part of the Black and Gold army for the new season. Having spent seven seasons with the Rhinos he will embark on a new set of challenges within Wasps and Rugby Union. " in November?

End of, after the Four Nations final.

Lets compare shall we...

FB =redBriscoe, =greenSlater, Gidley
W =redFox, Hall =green Hayne, Lewis
C =redShenton, Smith, Bridge, Sykes =greenInglis, Hodges, Morris, Jennings
SO =redMcGuire, Tompkins =greenLockyer
SH =redMyler, Eastmond =greenThurston, Cronk
PR =redPeacock, Graham, Morley, Burgess, Crabtree, Carvell =greenCivoniceva, White, Hannant, Shillington
H =redMoore, Roby =greenCam Smith, Farrah

SR =redEllis, Westwood, Wilkin =greenHindmarsh, Watmough, Thaiday, Waterhouse
LF =redO'Loughlin, Sinfield=green Hoffman, Gallen

Let's not - were it not for the props I'd be reaching for the revolver.

Not sure whether playing without a hooker will be to our advantage or theirs though.

We look pretty strong up front, but woefully inadequate in the three quarters. Not Smith's fault, I just think we have a horrible lack of centres and wingers of the right quality in this country at the moment. Senior has retired, and I think it's right not to pick him. Somebody needs to fill those shoes now, and it's hard to see who that's going to be.

I think it's to our advantage...now how about we agree to go without the backs too. 5-a-side anyone?

I reckon Smith could be a good contender for FB as well as centre. Briscoe is just Wellens Mk2.

Don't think Sykes or Bridge have done anything to justify selection.

Wouldn't have any qualms with Eastmond playing at wing or centre.

McGuire has to be first choice stand-off though - one of the few players who performed in the WC. I fear Tomkins and Myler will be out of their depth at this level, especially if thrown in together.

Why has Diskin been consistently overlooked by Smith? Roby has done little this season for a one time Man of Steel.

But how old is Rob Burrow - 27?

He's years at the top level left in the tank. Myler/Eastmond should have to earn the right to displace him.

Even accounting for my Rhinos bias, I can't see why England don't try playing Burrow, McGuire and Sinfield together.

Because then the usual suspects from the towns that have no other purpose than to serve as dormitories for those who want to work in Leeds or Manchester but can't afford to live there will be up in arms bleating about big club bias again

Why pick proven winners when you can pick the likes of Myler and O'Loughlin?

Haven't you somehow missed out the most important position in modern Rugby League there?

Not that it'll make for happy reading.

Yes, for good reason



H =redMoore, Roby =greenCam Smith, Farrah

There!!! You happy now?

Just had a quick look round some other boards to see people's reaction on the squad, Wigan fans predictably pick O'Loughlin at 13 ahead of Sinfield, with Sinfield not even making the 17.

Even allowing for my Leeds bias when will they get it through their heads that he isn't fit to lace Sinfield's boots ?

I am surprised at Burrow being left out, but would certainly look at giving Eastmond, or Tomkins a go alongside McGuire in the halves, with who ever misses out coming off the bench.

Just trying to save yor credibility.

Looks like it's the "kiwi" end for the final then

If all you want your 13 to do is cart the ball up and make tackles all day, then O'Loughlin is a better bet for that job than Sinfield IMO.

If you want a bit more variety and a good kicking game then Todd Flanders doesn't even get close.

The only way I would want either Tomkins or Eastmond on the bench is if GB were going to go with just one hooker in the 17. To have a hooker and half back on the bench would be madness IMO.

Pffft... that went ages ago

Carnegie 9'S????????

There is not much to choose between either player but O'Loughlin has looked the more consistent so far at International level.

Sinfield plays more as a tackling halfback at Leeds but I'm not sure that role translates too well.

Who do they have as first choice goal kicker?