Yes, checked out the post above mine, it's some poster assuming something. So what now?

I don't need to wipe my mouth, it's not dirty.

Heighington was pretty average last time he played for England, however given that this is a 20 man squad then there is the possibility that three players are going to travel a long way not to get a game.

Best have Heighington as the 20th man than make someone travel to the other side of the world and back to run the water bottles on and off the field.

Yes sorry, this is pretty much the point I was trying to make.

Given that the world cup is this year we need the team for this year, post world cup the old men can be put out to pasture.

Magillvary was England's best player in the 4 nations.

Only him and Hall matched the Aussies.

If it's just a case of the Aussies being 19th and 20th man, then couldn't Englishmen already down under take those roles? Joe Greenwood and George Burgess come to mind.

It is a world cup year, so I can understand picking Hall and Macgilveray (proven internationals) over the likes of Johnstone. As as good as the wakey winger has been the guys picked ahead of him haven't exactly not been good either. Similar story with SOL, if he's fit he'll be in the England team because he's a good player. If we were building into a cycle I'd have issue with him being selected at 34. As we are/should be in win now mode I can understand it.

The head scratchers are Heington and Mcqueen. I rate Mcqueen, but not more than say Farrell who I assume must be injured, or perhaps the three players from one club rule has made it hard?

FFS Johnstone has been better than Hall and Mcgilvray for 2 years now.

Yep the way he cost Wakey the game on Saturday by failing to pick up the kick through with the try line just there was international class. Hall's been very strong this year and having his best year for a while now.

Would McMeeken have got in if Bateman was fit?

Yes - He's been training with the England set-up before Bateman got injured against Cronulla.

Heighington has been playing well off the bench for cronulla from when i have seen them. If he keeps that form up then i can see why Bennett may want him in the squad for the WC. He has represented England before, i have no problems at all with his inclusion. McQueen, i haven't see much of lately TBH but always looked a reliable workhorse.

I really hope McMeekan gets a shot, has looked the best back row in SL this year for me and seems to improve every time i see him. Big unit with an off load too which is what we have lacked in the back row of late against the big two.

Widdop injured now so will probably call someone else up.

Is Daz Clark fit? I'd have him off the bench at 9. Williams and Gale at 6 and 7.

Think Clark was banned at the weekend and not injured. Could be wrong.

We did have 3 in-form halves which made decisions very difficult. I'd go along with your option, Clark has been decent in a mis-firing Warrington side, so far.

And that most likely will be another second rate Aussie.

Kevin Brown maybe ?

One hooker in the squad? What's going on there?

I suspect the plan was to play one of the three half backs on the bench and then give Widdop a spell at hooker while Hodgson had a rest. Maybe they'll draft in someone like Daryl Clark now Widdop is out.

That's very simplistic. One dropped ball doesn't make someone a better player.

I didn't say Hall hadn't, because he has. He's just not as good as Johnstone, unfortunately.

They are different types of winger.

Johnstone has pace to burn and is excellent under the high ball, plus, has superb footwork.
Hal is quick but, not as quick as Johnstone but, he's more powerful defensively and from 15/20 metres out.
If you could take the best from both players, you would have one hell of a player.
mind you, in games like this, you may have thought we would be building for the future, although the World cup may be just a bit too soon for Johnstone.

Against Australia and NZ whoever plays will be up against big and strong opponents. Having seen the likes of Eden, Sargison, Burgess and even a supposedly strong player like Hardaker look like 7 stone weaklings in the NRL, its no surprise that Bennett has gone for size out wide.

Farrell and Bateman may get into the eventual squad, but again really lack physicality at the highest level. You could get away with one, but the idea that footwork or running good lines (as if anyone in SL runs better lines or has better footwork than the best in the NRL) alone will work against Australia is nonsense.

Agree that George Burgess needs to sort himself out. At least with his suspensions he won't be too tired at the end of the year.

He's much better than Johnstone. Until Johnstone proves it in big important matches like Hall has done consistently year upon year for club and country then he can't be consider in the same class.

If Hall or McGillvary were to drop out injured then Burgess would be ahead of Johnstone I'm afraid no matter what Wakey fans think.

I've said it before and I'm gonna say it again - I'm not interested in watching Aussies in an England jersey. It's a joke. Before anyone preaches 'eligibility' and 'Heritage' to me, I couldn't give a monkeys what other countries do or what other sports do, or what the 'rules' are. Heighington was rubbish last time he played for us and he'll be rubbish this time. Wheres this McQueen suddenly appeared from? He's played Origin! Aussie through and through! English born, with English accents play for England. It's bad enough having a convict coach without having players too! I didn't agree with Chase playing for England and he was playing for us in SL at the time, so I'm never gonna accept Heighington and McQueen. I bet McQueen has never even visited here! Ridiculous. And then the RFL have the brass bo*****s to try and get us to pay to watch them play on a live stream! I can't spake!

I agree and disagree.

Yes Hardaker looked wafer thin in the NRL - but is one of the bigger backs in Super League. That says it all.

But I would have no qualms about throwing in Bateman. I think he's the best we've got coming through. I think I'd pick 17 players based on merit - not picking players because they compensate for size lost elsewhere on the park.

Agreed.