Agreed - was surprised to see Lyne included (personally would have picked Gildart who I think is a great young player, but will no doubt go with Knights on tour to PNG and develop there which wont do him any harm) and being short of centres, I'd rather see somebody like Lyne who plays there every week have a chance than move people out of position.

As for Johnstone, him and Makinson have been the form wingers all season imo and would like to see both of them included. Johnstone has been a pleasure to watch and seems very confident for a young kid, scores tries for fun (which is what a winger is there for mainly) and has pace to burn. Surely nobody can deny he is there on merit and deserves his place.

I think its good to see some new faces included and given a chance in the squad. I just hope players like Milner, Johnstone, Makinson, Thompson, Connor, Greenwood, Lyne & Percival (who was outcast in World Cup last year) all get some decent game time and an opportunity to showcase their talents and aren't just there to make up the numbers, get minutes against France and not feature much other than that.

Yes Lyne is a surprise selection and probably won't play but I do see the logic of the selection. Lyne is big, strong and versatile and can play either side and either wing if needed. He's not a classic centre but few British centres are but he does make hard yards and can get the ball over the line and he can defend with the best of them.

Either way he has worked hard to get where he is now which should help him if he is needed.

I agree - and as I said above, I would like to see him (and the other new faces) given a chance to play vs New Zealand and showcase what he can do rather than get 20 mins game time against France and nothing else. Some "top class" players have failed at international level, whereas some "lesser" SL players have stepped up and really impressed for England in the past. We are short on centres anyway, the lad has played well this year so why not give him a chance.

Don't really have much to lose this year so would rather see players picked in their club positions and tried out on the international stage to start building us towards next World Cup

I dont know what Bennetts plans are but I think Connor and Johnstone would make a cracking partnership if he chooses to go down that route. We know what a good finisher Johnstone is and Connor is a wingers centre. He is very good at sucking in defenders and slipping the ball out. I'm not sure Percival and Johnstone would work so well. Percival is better when he is finishing the chances himself. Not trying to make them for others, so I think it would be a waste putting Johnstone outside of him.

The Burgesses have had their best season since they won the title in 2014. They look like different players to twelve months ago.

New Zealand poach Tongan born Agnatius Paasi https://www.nrl.com/news/2018/10/04/agn ... and-kiwis/

New Zealand poach Tongan born Agnatius Paasi https://www.nrl.com/news/2018/10/04/agn ... and-kiwis/

Sam Burgess out https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-pr ... e4e0467df2

Sam Burgess out https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-pr ... e4e0467df2

If it’s true that Jonny Lomax has a compound fracture to his hand, I would expect him to miss out too.

I have poor judgement picking Tomkins (best player on the pitch last night) but you would have Reece Lyne at centre for England. Classic.

Tomkins first name on the sheet. I know people can’t stand him (he’ll probably annoy me next year also) but he’s the most controlled and naturally gifted option we have at fullback or in the halves.

Gale out now.

No great loss the guy chokes in every big game I’ve ever seen him play. No doubting his ability but no ticker.

So wii the pivots be

1 Ratchford
6 Williams
7'Tomkins

1 Tomkins
6 Connor
7 Williams

1 Ratchford
6 Connor
7 Williams

1 Ratchford
6 Tomkins
7 Hastings

You have to wonder about Lomax also with his hand injury. I’d have called Trueman up had he been fit but he looks to be injured also. I’ve seen some people call for Richardson but there’s no way he’s ready (not sure he ever will be).

Yep that sends out a great message to British players. Feck up your NRL career, play quite well in a few games, mostly against Championship teams and walk into the England squad.

Edit Durham Giant. It is an opinion which you do not like . No need for personal abuse

Gildart replaces Burgess in the squad, looks like Bateman might actually play in his position.

Not seen enough of Hastings but he has obvious talent single handedly kept Salford up. Who knows what he could do in a good team.


The issue of whether he is called up is a moot point though in terms of British players.

However with the TV deal up for renewal the game needs a boost.

Winning the series and getting some good publicity would help.

If he is good enough I would pick him.

We need the winning mentality like NZ or the Aussies. They will pick any SS islander who makes them better

Sends out the wrong message if you pick an Aussie who doesnt deserve a place

Insane imo, 6 games against mediocre oppostition and he's a superstar.

It's a bit like union selecting SS islanders after a few years of residency because the academic system is failing to produce decent quality players. Even the aussies are trying to stop that kind of mentality with state of origin because of the impact is has on the national side.

Message to who?

Rudy.

Jackson Hastings has played 47 NRL games. The only reason he isn’t still playing in the NRL and became available for Salford to sign was due to a fall out off the field.

He is the best half back available to replace Luke Gale in the England squad, we should select players on ability, the fact he is part Australian part English should not come into it.

Well if he is international quality why hasn't he been snapped back up by an NRL side at the end of this season? instead of signing on for longer with Salford.