Surely there's a bit more to it than he simply hasn't been picked?

He ommitted himself from last years squad, for 'personal' reasons.

Imo he would be first choice all day long so I dont think its as clear cut as it looks.

Did he make himself available this time round?

Discussion going on here already: viewtopic.php?f=21&t=521046 But yeah, cant believe hes not in.

Discussion going on here already: viewtopic.php?f=21&t=521046 But yeah, cant believe hes not in.

It has to be something like this. There is no way he would just be left out.

he can't be available....that can be the only reason he isn't in.

I assume there was a press conference for this...was MacBanana asked re Atkins' omission

He played 24 times last year?

Couldn't have put it much better myself.



I wouldn't have used that word though. I've been saying on here for ages he's potentially got 10 years as SL's best . Only Yed disagreed with me.

Is it possible Ryan Atkins could be putting himself forward as Irish or Welsh ? I believe there is only a tri nations comp. this year for some reason.

Turns out that Atkins has just been left out. No mitigating circumstances. Mcbanana just didn't pick him.

Just din get picked

Better than Saints 2006 Squad?

And on topic i'm suprised at Atkins exclusion from the ETS, him and Bridge have been in immense form so far this season (bar Bridges Brain Fart moments)

laughable< the in form centre in super league has not been picked. do you think mcnamara has watched any superleague this season?

beggars belief!...for him to be totally overlooked for both squads suggests a break down in the player coach relationship....our gain....England's loss. I am hoping for a similar breakdown in any player coach relationship between our top Aussies players and the Exiles coach.

Probably not. Certianly didn't win as much!

It's difficult though. Wire have steam rolled a lot of teams recently and there are more competetive teams now.

Too True, gone are the days where there was a couple of teams that truly dominated over 27 weekly rounds, however the likes of Saints and Leeds have set the benchmark for success in the summer era and the likes of Warrington, Huddersfield et al are making the competition a lot more competitive, which is really good to see if truth be told

Cue McBanana's assistant to wear that "I'm with Stupid" t-shirt, that was big in the late 70's.

unbelievable

Atkins confidence was seriously knocked by his last appearance for England, has he recovered from that? Who knows, but it's the only explanation I can offer for why he isn't/doesn't want to be picked. From a Leeds fans perspective, it makes no sense picking Hardaker over him.

I've just realised that the end of season tri nations this year, will include France and Wales.

Why the #### are we risking the likes of Morley/Peacock/Burrow/Westwood etc, against teams that England will beat comfortably. We all know these players' capabilities at international level, so why are we prolonging these players' seasons, when they can "wind down" after the play-offs.
Whilst it's "only" Wales and France, surely it would be better for the Knights to be involved, rather than the "full" England side. That way, youngsters can be blooded, and senior players can have a few extra weeks off. It's the World Cup next year. Surely it would be better for the experienced players who'll be involved, to enjoy a full "off season" rather than one that's been reduced by a month.

phone into bbc manchester

The Knights are playing against Scotland + Ireland I think in a seperate tri nations.

Agree about Morley and Peacock, we know what they can do, have them in and around the squad but no point in playing them, let's see what the others can do.

But what do we find out about what the others can do?

What do we learn about a player against France or Wales that we don't know about him from Super League?

If say Myler comes in to the squad and scores a hat trick against Wales then should he get the nod against Australia on the back of proving himself in an international?

So we've got the Knights (all fully fledged SL players) versus a load of Championship 1 or 2 and University team players.

Makes perfect sense.

PLAY THE NIGHTS V THE FIRST TEAM!

state of origin stylee

now that i'd pay to see....

and would most likely show up McBanana's ability to pick a team!