I wouldn't have picked Jamie Peacock for the second row. I would have put Sam Burgess there to start and be utilised in the second row and just have Peacock as another prop. We have made slow starts to every International game we have played. I understand Burgess makes great impact but we need some impact right from the start as well. Some big hits put in, in the opening stages of the match.

Sam Tomkins and Kyle Eastmond is a brave decision but the right one IMO. I am looking forward to seeing how they both get on.

Chris Bridge at centre is a tricky one. If I am honest, I haven't seen enough of him in games to given an accurate analysis if that is the correct decision. He has never stood out that much when I have seen Warrington play. But if he can tighten up that side of the defence and offer some pace in attack then it could be a good move. I hope so.

Tom Briscoe is a bit unlucky IMO. Unless Tony Smith has seen something I haven't, I didn't think he did that much wrong last week. I thought it was more Smith and McGuire than him. Still he is very young and maybe that intensity is too much? Peter Fox I think is over rated but his greatest asset, his speed, could be very effective against the Kiwis if he finds open space because they're not a particularly quick team. More power than speed from what I have seen of them.

The rest of the squad I pretty much agree with. Jon Wilkin is an interesting inclusion, hope he can rise to the occasion. He certainly is a talented player on his day.

They naturally gravitate towards each other they know each other too well from leeds, the point is though they are not good enough at this level to break teams with the plays that work for them in SL.

You pass to your runner as a hooker regardless of what colour domestic shirt you have, that bond between Sinfield and Mcguire was stifling tge team.

I have just watched the game back from last Saturday and i actually didnt realise how well Sinfield did at hooker to be honest. We look much more orgonised and he seem to play the old fashioned hooking role. I must admit i have never really rememberd him playing there for Leeds but i know Brian Rouse (Rouges) has mentioned him playing there a few times. IMO after the second half he had there when on he should be starting there saturday aswell. He just did all the basic things so right and offers a good kicking game from around the ruck. Maybe abit hasty to form an opinion off only seeing him play hooker for half a match but IMO hes a much better 'international' hooker than he is loose forward

Some good points there Scott. I have been telling you for years that these new fangled 'running' Hookers are a flash in the pan and you're finally coming to my way of thinking

That side looks better than the previous two imo, other than the fact our centres are still poor. Saying that, when you don't pick your best two centres you're always going to struggle.

Anyone else more up for this game than the aussie one ?

The Aussies will always be the big game for me

Not a bad selection considering the coach is Tony Smith.
Peacock in the 2nd row is a worry. He was the problem in the first 20, nowhere on the right side defence leaving McGuire, Smith and Briscoe exposed and stranded. JP missing gave Inglis the ten yard wide gap he never needed.
Happy with Bridge at 3 as he can beat a man no problem. Fox is faster than anything the Kiwis have. Sam and Kyle at hb is the unknown. Both can be brilliant but I bet the Kiwis will be worried about those two.
Sinfield to start at 13 and go to 9 when Roby is interchanged. Wilkin then to go to 13, which IMO is his best position anyway. Diskin is a big ommision from Smith's squad.
At least Moore and Myler are nowhere as neither are good enough at this level.
I think they'll beat the Kiwis!

Neither was Sam Tomkins against St Helens in the play offs at Super League level, what does that mean Jon?

Was the hooker (a none Leeds player btw) passing to the right more often than the left? the side where Tomkins wasn't, was he in on the "Leeds old boys club" aswell?

Roby played 80 mins and tackled his balls off, he was by far the most effective tackler on the pitch, he did more in defence than anyone.... League Express figures state he was our best tackler with 32 tackles, compare to Morley 10 tackles, McGuire 8 tackles, S Briscoe 4 tackles, T Briscoe 2 tackles, Lee Smith 9 tackles, even Tomkins who played well IMO was at only 16 tackles.

Maguire as had chance after chance decent SL level player will never be International.

Losing his place to a Rookie proves that

It means he was a young kid playing in a beaten team who had an off day.

Given the fact he was named in the SL dream team over McGuire what does that say?

Sinfield was controlling the forwards guiding them round the park ensuring that it went to the side that he favoured.

The fact is Tomkins showed more promise in that one game than McGuire has in his International career apart from 1 England "A" International back in the days of touring Australian sides.

McGuire is a cracking player and will go down as a Leeds great (not legend), Tomkins has the potential to go down as an England legend, something McGuire had when he first hit the scene but quickly showed he lacked the mental strength to realise that potential.

It doesn't say much does it? Kevin Penny anyone? McGuire had a great season. The difference is Tomkins is young and wasn't expected to do well, McGuire is expected to do well.

The 2nd paragraph I have highlighted is utter bollo#ks.

Should Sinfield have switched play to pass to Tomkins everytime just to make you happy?

Yes, i believe he should.

Thats very clever editing. I'm impressed.

No he should have played a more balanced game.

The fact that you compare Kevin Penny with Sam Tomkins shows a massive ignorance for the game of Rugby League.

you never beat Hogan and his forum editing game

Thank you , i shall teach you one day.

I have to admit, im not really sure how Danny gets into the Leeds team half the time never mind the England team.

Finally something we agree on!

But to be fair mate, he is a pretty effective if not limited half back at Sl level, you should not be too hard on the lad.

The Sam Tomkins that scored a try and brought us back into the game?

Didn't in the playoffs. George and Pat got the tries.

Sorry, was thinking about the Eastmond 'waterslide' match.

How about giving the lad a chance?

Agreed.

He deserves his chance
a) On Bridges form at the back end of the season

b) Due to Smiths very poor performance last Saturday