Really, you cannot see the problem with that?

I wont go into the reasoning behind the problem, I don't have the space or time, but your response is a symptom of the problem IMO. It's not a personal attack it's how I see it and you are not alone with your question.

England do not have top shelf Halves or on field leaders that can steer a team around and change outcomes.

I'm not necessarily disagreeing with you. My issue is you come on here thread after thread spouting the same buzzwords like you have all the answers. Yet time and time again you prove you don't really have a clue, and you've done it again here.

You can invest in youth development and grass roots rugby AND sign overseas players. It doesn't have to be one or the other. A good young player will get his chance regardless. There are much bigger fish to fry than simply cutting the number of imports.

I have two daughters who have from time to time come with me to watch Hull KR. My eldest (1icon_cool.gif was watching the game on Friday on tv when she announced how cruddy the commentators were. She then said I'd have a go at them but they are probably too old for Twitter!
That got me thinking. We should have young and vibrant commentators who not only make a bad game seem good but talk about it, argue about it and advertise it on social media. That's the platform to attack.

I agree, but did you mean to post it on this thread? A little OT isn't it?

Actually one of the best posts I've read on that subject... Wrong thread I think.

Halfback and backrow are clearly England's biggest issues - for the series this year let alone 2017.

One thing I wish all our international coaches do is look at performances for England as a guide, as some players thrive at that level and others disappear. Opposite examples from last year are Sargison, who looked every bit an international centre (albeit a bit raw), and Charnley, who again showed - through no fault of his own - that he simply isn't physical enough to mix it with Aus/NZ but will always be a very good club winger.

Above all we should be looking for physical size and aggression and low error rates. The Burgess twins drop at least one sitter per game each. We can't afford to have a whole pack that does the same.

Should Rangi Chase be reconsidered?

I'd prefer Kevin Brown be given a chance at stand off with Widdop at scrum half.

^^^

I'd agree with Chase or Brown ahead of Matty Smith.

Smith's defence isn't good enough and he needs a more creative player than Widdop alongside him. Widdop has a much better all round game, so he would be my first choice.

I'm going to sound biased, but what about Scott Taylor for the pack. I've always been impressed with him, ever since his Hull KR days, and he seemed to be getting better the more minutes he plays.

On this season's form, thus far, then surely Danny McGuire has to be considered.

I have more time for Chase than many, but I don't think he'd ever fit well in international footy. Brown is a fair shout. McGuire has had his chances, and don't remember him ever impressing against the Aussies.

As for Matty Smith, I don't recall too many complaints about him last season, but so far he has not found that form this year.

Whilst I think you are correct in pretty much everything you have said, and I think Matty Smith earned his spot last season, Smith and Widdop weren't particularly creative in the four nations. Then having watched Smith at Salford, and his performances this season without Green, I'd say he's more of a link man at first receiver. However, if his main role is to operate as that link, then you would go with Widdop as he's a better goal kicker and has a more rounded game. Then you would have to pair Widdop/Smith with a more creative player. I like Brown because he's got really accurate pass and good vision, but Chase has a massive bag of tricks. It depends which player the coach thinks he can get the most out of, it also depends on whether either player will make it to the World Cup.

Surely, though, having walked out on England once, there's no way Chase would ever be considered for selection again anyway?

Anyway, 2017's a long way away. It could be Rocky Hampshire by then!

See if Alex Murphy is available.

He took on the Aussies as a 17 year old and walked all over them. I'm Sure he could still do a better job than some who keep being mentioned on here.

there are a lot of good young kids coming through from most teams. Half backs we are week on but second row don't see too much of a issue. Off the top of my head 3 really good younsters Stevie Ward at Leeds been a real workhorse with some class touches and run some good lines. Bateman and greenwood also look good and I am sure there are more. By time 2017 comes round they are all a year older and more experienced.
New to international level, I also think cuthbertson would do well at 13.

We missing 2016 out?

If Taylor hadnt been so preoccupied trying to get back to Hull I think he would have made last season's 25 man squad for the 4N. He was in the mid season training squad but then went backwards for the rest of the season and was ultimately out of the wigan side come playoff time. Seems he's hitting his 2013 form for Salford now though and I agree he's worth considering.

Whilst I'm not suggesting Taylor is in the same league, but he's similar to Sam Burgess in that he's quick for and agile a big man. That said he doesn't have the same physicality as Sam Burgess has in defence.

If we aint slecting Adam Walker by 2017 then I'll eat my shorts, The guys been immense this year and keeps getting better.

Seems a real lack of options in the halves at present. Chase our best option but didn't really cover himself in glory when seemingly spitting his dummy out at RLWC2013 so I'm not sure if he is even an option.

Brown is a top player but not sure if he'll be too old by the next WC. Widdop needs to rediscover his best form asap because every time I've watched him lately he's been sluggish, though the Dragons are gradually clawing themselves back into the reckoning this year. Smith isn't good enough imo.

Tom Lineham is playing very well in a poor Hull side, and deserves a shot this winter against the Kiwi's especially given Charnley, Briiscoe and Hall are currently injured.

Real shame Eastmond went to the Rah Rahs, i think he could've developed into a great #6

It's early days in the season but if Liam Sutcliffe keeps this form up I would have

1 S Tomkins
6 L Sutcliffe
7 G Widdop