I'm really disappointed in that squad.

I, like others, think the back row is very weak. Farrell deserves his spot, hes a cracking player. Westerman has had a good season but is no where near international standard and will be found out, no doubt about that. Tomkins, well thats a massive joke. Firstly stunned that he was chosen over Carl Ablett, a player that is on the same level as Farrell imo. But then to be chosen over Whitehead is baffling.

Then the Halves/Full back. Matty Smith will go missing, no doubt about it. Versus Samoa, the weakest side we will face (but not necessary easiest) was the match to play Hardakre at Full Back and Sam Tomkins in the halves. Its a mouthwatering combo. McNamara has played it safe with his halves and FB selection. Safe is going to equal average.

I can only echo what others have said ............. I suspect, apart from O'Loughlin, this is what McNamara considers his first choice team.

To me (and everyone else) the back row looks weak, I'd have played Whitehead. I guess it exposes how much we miss Sam Burgess, and the stupid decision not to take Carl Ablett.

I understand why he's chosen Smith at half back, to provide a structured kicking game, but I wonder if moving Sam Tomkins there and playing Hardaker would have been a brave but worthwhile gamble.

As you say Westerman has had a good season and fully deserves this. He certainly won't get "found out" against Samoa. If he is still in there for next week then we shall see, but I've watched him week in week out and I'm sure he will hold his own against anyone. I just hope McNamara tells him to play the way he has for Hull and doesn't just use him as a battering ram up the middle. He can perform that role if needed. But it's not his game.

Shouldn't be Farrell and Whitehead in the second row though, with Ablett on the bench. Picking Joel is a crazy decision.

Think we all thought Ferres, Whitehead, O'Loughlin as the back row from the squad - maybe he is ensuring they are available for the games coming up? Maybe the conditions dictate a more mobile back row ?

We will know late morning on Saturday anyway.

Has Westermans defence improved that much in one year that you wouldn't be worried about it?

I personally would have put Graham at 13.

Riiiiiiight

Was Ablett just not selected then? I thought he was one of the injured players who made themselves unavailable for selection?

The RFL have obviously offered Joel Tomkins some kind of deal to be part of the England set up, for him to be drafted straight back into the team after only a few months back in RL!

If we are playing a running game, Farrel and Tokins offer a lot as both are fast and good ball handlers.
Problem is, Samoa will play a 'break everything in front of them' game and I fear these two will be broken first

The front row will be good for us. The back row needs to step up.

Westerman has never been a bad defender. His issue is the past was going for big hits rather than just making the tackles. Whether it's because of the new rules or just a different approach he doesn't seem to be doing that so much.

All we really have to go on here are stats. I've omitted Tomkins because this is regular season and he played and contributed so little it's barely worth bothering.

Westerman:
Games Played: 27
Tackles made: 916
Tackles missed: 70
% made: 92.5

O'Loughlin
Games Played: 17
Tackles Made: 480
Tackles Missed: 34
% made: 92.9

Farrell
Games Played: 21
Tackles Made: 579
Tackles Missed: 12
% made: 97.9

Ablett
Games Played: 23
Tackles Made: 660
Tackles Missed: 59
% made: 91.1

Whitehead
Games Played: 24
Tackles Made: 768
Tackles missed: 67
% made: 91.3

Ferres
Games played: 21
Tackles Made: 471
Missed Tackles: 33
% made: 93

So compared to all the other backrow candidates. His workrate is the best of them all and his number of misses is more than comparable.

Farrells stats are hugely impressive btw. 12 misses across a full season is ridiculous.

England must defeat Samoa, otherwise they won't win anything else.

I was hoping that McNamara might have become wiser as a result of a season living in Sydney. Apparently not.

It is when SL stats say he missed 102.

looking forward to seeing how the new combinations work

hodgson and clarke interchanging at hooker

smith and widdop half backs

tomkins keeps his place at full back

will be good to see some international RL again this saturday!

Nope, it says he made 102 marker tackles.

People go on about Farrell's size, but his defence is outstanding and he consistently breaks the line.

Quote ="tigertot"It is when SL stats say he missed 102.'" www.superleague.co.uk/matchday/player/2228 I got it from there. 102 must be a typo surely? That would make him just about the worst tackler in superleague, and he isn't.

Quote ="tigertot"It is when SL stats say he missed 102.'" www.superleague.co.uk/matchday/player/2228 I got it from there. 102 must be a typo surely? That would make him just about the worst tackler in superleague, and he isn't.

Apologies, you're right, though I presumed it was an amusing typo. I assume he is in as a tackling machine because I cannot see him making many breaks against better opposition.

He doesn't bust loads of tackles, but he runs good lines. Most of his breaks seem to made with no one laying a finger on him. Whether he will be afforded as much space to run at by the Aussies remains to be seen, but as long as the service is good I think he will still cause them some trouble.

Given what's available I think McNamara has made the right choices in the backrow. They might not be up to it versus Australia or NZ but their really isn't anyone who's significantly better who's left out IMO.

I've been impressed with Westerman this year and believe he deserves a chance. Farrell's defence is excellent and will be vital. Tomkins is a bit lucky but has pace and versatility so I can see the rationale for picking him.

While Whitehead looks great ball in hand I'm still far from convinced about his defence. His stats show he's behind the others and that was vs SL opposition.

Sounds like Samoa have had a relaxed attitude to training in the run up to the game: www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/leag ... 18onv.html

Sounds like Samoa have had a relaxed attitude to training in the run up to the game: www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/leag ... 18onv.html

Farrells stats on tackle busts and clean breaks are easily better than ferres and Ablett (not in squad) and he is also even stevens with Whitehead in this area.

So as has been stated above he is the best defender also then I don't know why he shouldn't be in.

Just so people realise, all the players mentioned above have played against the same teams this season so if Farrell won't manage it against the "better" players then there's little to suggest any of the others will.

Have the kangaroos ever played a test match with just one prop in the side before?

I doubt it.

Why are they going in with just the 1 BTW? i know a few have pulled out but i thought there was a conveyor belt of quality in the NRL.

Sheens is setting himself up for a media hammering if that is the area that the Aussies get exposed.

Pure sheenius! He loves second rowers at prop and fullbacks on the wings

This year he made more tackles then Josh Hodgson, missed less tackles & gave away less penalties. I assume you'll be worried about Josh Hodgson?