Had total and utter stinkers these past couple of nights and it got me wondering (and worrying) about our centre options for the World Cup.

I'm happy enough with Watkins, I think injury was his main issue last night and he's a class act but Cudjoe does worry me. He's never been a player that seems to cause opposition defences many problems and he can make errors with the ball.

Who else is there though? Atkins? Ablett? Crooks?

Was thinking about this myself watching Watkinslimo around the field last night. Atkins is coming back into a bit of fitness, and could do a job. Crooks hasn't olayed for a while and would be a risk in my opinion (worth putting him in with the Knights though) and beyond them the next best are Goulding, Turner and Bridge.

Bridge does a lot well, but loses concentration. Turner is dependable, but never going to set the world alight. So it's Goulding for me. Can't be doing much wrong if Charnley has scored 30+ tries in consecutive seasons outside of him.

I thought Ablett looked good last night. Never rated him that highly but he may be worth a punt for England again.

I think the argument is over re Watkins. He looked completely unfit last night, as did several other Leeds players.

The eternal mystery of British centres. Write lists of world class British players of the last 40 years, in each position, and I'd be surprised if 'centre' wasn't your shortest by some distance. Now do it for Australia and 'centre' will be one of your longest.

Absolutely no clue why this is.

i would play ablett, everytime ive seen him hes been good.

Even as a Wigan fan I'd not mentioned Goulding but you may have a point. He is so dependable and has a great understanding with Charnley.

If somebody offered me a swap at club level for Cudjoe I certainly wouldn't take it.

Have to agree with Ablett. Think he's been Leeds' best player recently (not at centre I admit) but he's proven that he can play there.

Watkins was not fit enough to play. Not sure what Brian McDermott was thinking

Goulding for me.Has an understanding with Josh which would swing it for me. But I think Watkins would play unless he is seriously injured.

I hope Watkins will be fit otherwise we have a big problem. Reed is a big loss imo. I'd love to be proven wrong but i'm not convinced by Cudjoe, although a solid club player Goulding isn't an international centre, i can however understand the logic of selecting a club pairing.

Atkins is a great athlete but imo not a natural RL player, Bridge reminds me of Hock, brilliant one minute and a total idiot the next.

I would have to choose Ablett although it goes against my instincts on only choosing players in their club positions, his form has been very good recently and i think his defence would be a good asset for England.

defo goulding and charnley one side they was very good last night and have been all year theyve played a lot of games this year just hope theyre not carrying any little niggles. i would have hall n ablett the other although ablett would be out of position and on the other side he is a good defender and a good attacking player.

Pity Grix is Irish, had a blinding season for us.

Cudjoe isn't even the best centre at Hudds, I'd have Wardle over him all day long !

Watkins & Atkins for me.

Think you can't dismiss Cudjoe on one game. He's had a great year and deserves his spot.

We have a few coming through that we need to push on with. Crooks. Goulding. I'd even say Thornley has really impressed me in recent weeks and is a good shout.

Don't think Turner will kick on much more. Bridge is a penalty machine. Atkins is a bit weak in defence at times. Ablett is a back rower. Hardacre is a full back.

Correct... a huge loss for England.

He's way ahead of any centre in Super League.

Surprised Yeaman hasn't got a mention.

You tried the stage mate, brilliant

We have some decent players in the centre without having to resort to playing backrowers out of position such as Ablett. Watkins (is not fit presently), Cudjoe, Goulding, Thornley and Turner have all had fantastic seasons and would do a job for England in the World Cup. Throw in Crooks into the mix and you have plenty of cover and potential.

Thornley? Wigan fans don't seem to rate him.

For me Cudjoe and Watkins. Both have had brilliant seasons and you can't choose one game to decide whether a player should be ok the England squad or not.

What Mcnamara must not do is choose an unfit Watkins or play a back-rower of full back there. It just doesn't work. I can see Mcnamara putting Hardaker there though If Watkins is injured.

I don't think Goulding, Atkins or Turner have a chance as they're not part of Mcnamaras ETS squad. If Watkins is injured I would be tempted to put Briscoe there. I've always thought of him a a centre anyway.

Stop it, you're killing me here...Crooks



He makes Yeaman look like Mal Meninga




[size=50Crooks [/size

both better then mind your head on that bridge (chris)!!!!

E.