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?

Looking on the bright side, we'll have a stronger team to put out on Boxing Day with less Rhinos being picked for England duty.

What about sacrificing Roby and having Eastmond off the bench ?

Chris Bridge and Paul Sykes can kick goals anyway

Every cloud!!

If the game is refereed under international interpretations, the opportunities to scoot from dummy half will be limited anyway so I'd rather go with Moore from the start and Roby on the bench.

Briscoe, Fox, Smith, Bridge, Hall, McGuire, Eastmond, Graham, Moore, Peacock, Burgess, Ellis, Sinfield

Morley, Crabtree, Roby, Westwood

Have faith in the coach


Things were ty last year, but Smith has shown a past pattern of following good with bad with good.

I can't help but look at the backs, and think we will get mullered !

Looking at the squad though there is not much you can do with the backs other than the 7 you have picked Andy.

Whats changed though over the last few years ? People speak about looking forward, and picking players on form, but it boils down to the same issue, the forwards can hold their own but the backs are not good enough.

Even when we had Gleeson, and Senior, and Carney etc at their peak we very rarely turned the Aussies over. I fail to see how a back line with Briscoe, Smith, Bridge etc will do either.

Sorry to be such a pessemist, I should really be happy with Rugby League at the moment.

I will gladly let the squad picked prove me wrong, nothing would make me happier.

If Eastmond, Myler and Tomkins have been picked under the principle of preparing for the future why was Lee Smith selected at all?

You pick the best players for the job, for this tournament.

I feel for Rob and think he and McGuire should be the halves but, hey ho, I'll back the players he has picked. Even Paul Sykes.

Then, after backing them, I'll cheer for NZ against the Aussies in the final.

I disagree.

I wouldnt have thought wasps will be happy should he get injured now.

I think we should be blooding players arround for next years 4 Tri carneigie world cup nations what ever it's going to be called next time round.

I think we need to be trying to win this tournament otherwise we will never have a decent international scene if we aim for the next world cup all the time.

Why? Don't you want to try to win?
If Wasps are letting him play, other than that who cares what they think?

Wasps have no choice.

he's not a Wasps player yet. He's still a contracted Rugby league player and has expressed a desire to play international Rugby league.

I still don't understand how Smith rationalises his selection with "ones for the future" like Myler, Tomkins and Eastmond.

Perhaps Smith Snr has been told by Smith Jnr when he's signing for Warrington and Smith Jnr is very much part of the coaches plans in the near future?

There again Smith Snr hasn't yet committed himself to England beyond this tournament has he?