He has more first grade appearances than George factoring in his games for the Bulls.

I dont agree he was selected for the 'marketing' factor either as he is probably going to make the 17 again this weekend ahead of other good players.It seems McNamara has taken a liking to what he COULD bring to the team IF he finds some form.Him coming into the game for George means not alot is lost in our go forward providing he is on his game.Hopefully he will improve as the comp. progresses and could be a real asset come the Semi and Final should we make it so i personally agree with persisting with him in these games in which we should win with something to spare.

Maybe, but only nine first grade games this year and most off the bench does not scream Test player to me.

I noticed several people are choosing Sinfield and Widdop in the Halves.
No one cares that Widdop is not a Halfback and has very little experience there? why not use utility Kev at Halfback and use Widdops extra pace at Standoff?

Widdop has been playing in the halves as first choice at Melbourne Storm all last season (and played there in the previous season too), so he hardly lacks experience. Anyone else noticed how our attack improved when he came on? Pity we couldn't enjoy seeing him and Robes on the field at the same time as both of them bring dynamism to our side, probably because they are actually good players playing in their chosen positions.

But Widdop is a Stand off not a Half back, not all players are inter-changeable between those positions.
Widdop has played two games at Half Back in 2011.
His pace would be better served at Stand off where he usually plays IMO.

Thought Widdop was awful when he came on against oz tbh. We seemed to lose all semblance of shape and structure. I'm not doubting him as a player but that interchange really didn't work.

Wouldn't worry about putting him in with Sinfield, widdops running style will complement Sinfield's organising style quite well, whatever number is on their back. Sinfield's switch from loose to stand off is more focused on lessening his defensive workload, he has pretty much always played his attacking role as he does now and Danny McGuire hasn't had a bad career playing with him and at his peak he and Widdop are pretty similar running halfbacks.

Half back refers to both 6 and 7.
You mean he is not a scrum half.

So play Sinfield 7.

I was not aware that was the case in England.
In Australia a Half Back is always what you call a "scrum half"
The Half back and the five eighth make up the "Halves" in Oz

From a reliable source



[iHalf backs
There are two half backs (frequently referred to as 'the halves' in Australasia) - the stand-off half back (or five-eighth) numbered 6 and the scrum half (or halfback) numbered 7. Positioned more centrally in attack, near the forwards, they direct the ball in attack and are usually two of their team's main decision-makers.
Stand-off
Main article: Five-eighth
Numbered 6, the stand-off half (or five-eighth) is usually responsible for directing the ball to the rest of the team in attack (hence the nickname 'pivot') and is often a strong passer and kicker.
Scrum half
Numbered 7, the scrum half (or half back) is usually involved in directing his team's play and is likely to be a very good passer. The position is sometimes referred to as "first receiver" as halfbacks are often positioned so as to be the first to receive the football from the dummy-half after a play-the-ball. This makes them important decision-makers in attack.[4 [/i

The best halfback in white on Saturday was Sam Tomkins. Chase was ineffective, Sinfield just doesn't challenge the line.

England play with too much structure for Chase, he's more ad lib. And Sinfield just doesn't run at the line, doesn't hold up defenders. Roby jumps from acting half and goes straight and looks for someone to run off him, and Sinfield is 15 yards back.

I've no doubt McNamara will persist with Chase and Sinfield. But if it was me, Widdop would play.

I keep hearing that Chase is 'off the cuff' but he didn't take the line on or provide a running threat all game.

I thought Chase did OK, nothing great but nothing terrible either.

If it was a Sinfield/Widdop combination then Sinfield would obviously play 7, like he did last week.

Would've preferred seeing McIlorum on the bench but given that squad I'd go with Burrow off the bench (still don't think that'll work vs the best teams, but will be ok for Ireland).

Regarding Tom Burgess I too would've given him a shot ahead of Mossop. We had 3 debutants in the forwards last week, it was perhaps inevitable that one would look shaky, however if we bring him on around the 20/25mins mark alongside the experience of Graham I think that could help him.

Glad to see O'Loughlin back, but hopefully he's not pushed too hard at this stage.

Key area for me is in the 2nd row. Ferres showed up well last week but Westwood let himself down and Ablett didn't have too much of an impact. You would expect whoever gets picks out of Farrell or Ablett to show up well vs Ireland so will be hard to gauge their ability at International level from this game as much tougher tests await. Perhaps go with both and rest Westwood and see who looks in better form.

When Briscoe and Hall have been picked together it's usually seen Hall move to the right wing, we'll see if that happens again.

Tomkins
Briscoe
Watkins
Cudjoe
Hall
Chase/Widdop
Sinfield
Hill
Roby
G.Burgess
Ferres
Farrell
O'Loughlin

Burrow
Ablett
Graham
T.Burgess

Off subject but who is that woman in your avatar.

Such a shame that the George Hotel and Stevo's museum will not be open for people to enjoy tomorrow.

Mila Kunis.

re-watched the Aus game last night and I think it is a bit harsh to say Westwood "let himself down" - he would still be in my final 17

I got short shrift from many when I posted this 12 months ago - but wasn't far off!

Why don't we pick their mum as well and make it 5? Find enough cousins and they could have their own team.

You cant select the same person twice

Steady enough start... Find myself torn between wanting us to hammer them and wanting It to be close for TV!

Steady enough start... Find myself torn between wanting us to hammer them and wanting It to be close for TV!

Chase actually did something.

Time to go cut the grass

Dire

What was the ref doing there? He was in the perfect position to see that that pass was a yard forward.