On his current form, he must get a start for England against the exciles............. I can't think of another backrower who would go before him

I wouldn't say he's better than Westwood but I agree he should start on current form

Ben Westwoods 31, he'll be 32 when the world cup comes, I think we need to let the young boys have a crack. Players like Farrell, Hughes, Bateman, Clarkson, Ferres, Whitehead........... Instead of Westwood, Buchanan, Wilkin, Tickle.........

Up there along with Hock, Westwood and Soliola for me

I wouldn't put Soliola anywhere near the first two tbh. He's a decent player don't get me wrong but is certainly not in the class of a Hock or Westwood.

As for Farrell he's the form backrow in superleague and is heading towards international recognition. He will only continue to improve as well.

I expect McNamara will already have his starting back rowers chosen for the world cup, Westwood and Ellis, but Farrell has definitely put himself in the squad on current form, i'd say it's between him and Hock for a spot on the bench.

Lets not get carried away

McNamara probably has some one average and out of position lined up for that spot.

Not the best second rower in super league, but definitley one of the best English second rowers, i agree that there is no one i can think that should start above him against the exiles.

Your probabley right, Sam Burgess....... however he aint a bad shout

I'll give you Hock, but Westwood doesn't offer anything that Soliola doesn't (IMO)

He's still young. He's certainly the best young backrower in SL at the moment. He's still young, and arguably out of position, as he is an out and out LF. I think over the next few years we'll see more of him playing LF.

Also, the partnership he has with Green is awesome, he seems to lay the right pass on for him 4 or 5 times a game.

People are saying hes only the best british second row in super league, what imports are ahead of him?

When Joel Tomkins turned his back on our sport for money, I said we have a better second rower and rugby player for matter in Farrell who was on a lot less money, he has certainly proved me right.

I don't know if he's better, but he'll be cheaper. I hope in a few years he emulates J.Tomkins, however Tomkins had speed to burn which is rare in back rowers.........

if i remember correctly farrell is or was faster than joel.

And goes to union?

Really? I find this hard to believe............ maybe its true................. I just re-call the Tomkins full lengther at Wembley



Well he's playing centre though isn't he? He doesn't play in the pack.........

Joel was probably the middle ground between Hock and Faz. He played on the edge like Hock in attack but had a workrate similar to Faz.

He probably didn't do the things those two do well quite to the level they do but as an alround forward he was exceptional. I don't think we'd seen the best of him either tbh but we certainly never would have done at centre.

he might be in a couple more seasons,westwood and a fit again gareth ellis is the best 2nd row pairing england should use.
if he continues his form throughout the season then he might sneak a place in the squad but the likes of hock would probably pip him to that as they have a bit of x factor.
a good player with a good work ethic but probably a season or two before he is near the finished article.

He got an early shout from Chris Irving and the others on "backchat" for MOS, along with Peacock (who is also having a great season, from the games I've seen).

And Sinfield from Danny Lockwood



That can't have been serious especially given he mentioned his Catalans performance as a highlight. Sinfield himself slated his performance and errors in the post match interview.

Sinfield plays well in 'really big' games for Leeds and as there aren't any of them in the regular season he'll never win the MOS.

You just know that Ablett and/or JJB will pop up in the squad and probably the team too.

I wouldn't pcik Westwood, Hock or Buchanan personally, I'd let the younger players have a crack at the Aussies like Farrell, Bateman, Whitehead, Hughes etc....

Whilst I am no an of JJB, I think Ablett has been very good this year so far. Leeds stand out player by some distance.

I would have no complaints with his call up and he could be pushing for a place in the 17 along with Faz.

Still think Westwood because of the intensity and aggression he brings, despite being outperformed by Faz domestically, due to his game just fitting the international game a little more at the moment, and Ellis assuming he gets fit and performs anywhere near his NRL performances will be the starting pair, but think a bench spot is up for grabs depending on where Burgess is selected to play, assuming he is fit.

Ablett, Faz and Hock all offer different qualities and that will play a part depending on the style of play McMannaman wants to run with.