He played at 1 on the weekend just passed live on MSK 433 on Sky it will be repeated in the week, he went well took some big raps from the commentary team, at one point they called him an Aussie, to which someone said he is still classed as English, to which the typical response from the Aussie calling the game was along the lines of, if he is as good as we hear and have seen thus far we will take him as an Australian.

I did read an interview with him where he said that he was a Bradford fan and if he came back here he would play for Bradford.

He probably still thinks that they are a top team drawing 10k + with Bullmania going strong.

It doesnt exactly reflect well on the game in this country that Widdop, a player that has played 2 NRL games, gets picked for England. If he had only played 2 games for a club in Super League then he wouldnt have a chance in hell of getting picked and I dont see why this should be any different. I am sure that a selection like this will have the Aussies quaking in their boots.

sam had only started 7 games in SL before going away with england last season. the difference there is that he was taken for experience, and not to play. but he still got in the squad.

Widdop is as much an RL political selection as a form one.
He's played for England so it will now be difficult for him to play for the Aussies. That's if he ever got that close.
He is also with Melbourne who develop young players better than any other club either over there or here. He could improve to a top class 1 with the Storm, something we are lacking in England.
Next year, with Melbourne having to let players go Widdop could play first grade as centre as well as full back. He is also a good goal kicker.

There will be two to miss out, I hope Joel isn't one of them.

I would have picked Tansey at fullback.

Pryce (Leon) could have been the best fullback in this country by a long chalk if he'd had plenty of games there a few years ago but we've probably missed the boat on that one.

In the 80's, didn't Hampson play for GB on the Saturday against the Kiwis and get sent off. Then turn out for us on the sunday and get sent off again?

Widdop



Just because he is in the NRL does not make him a worldbeater

Tansey or Leon Pryce would have done a better job at FB

1989? Didn't he head butt Gary Freeman at Elland Road?

Yep, earning the nickname Lurpack in the process.

How do you know though? Have you seen Widdop at all?

Maybe McNamara is just taking the opportunity to give him a full game when he's watchin and a chance to meet the lad and see what he's about.

well Leeds vs quins game might not be on that weekend as Leeds are going to speak to the RFL for postponement - www.therhinos.co.uk/news/11065.php

well Leeds vs quins game might not be on that weekend as Leeds are going to speak to the RFL for postponement - www.therhinos.co.uk/news/11065.php

Quote ="Frosties."well Leeds vs quins game might not be on that weekend as Leeds are going to speak to the RFL for postponement - www.therhinos.co.uk/news/11065.php'" Well it's fair and right they do that in my view but I can imagine a stink being kicked up elsewhere if it happens.

Quote ="Frosties."well Leeds vs quins game might not be on that weekend as Leeds are going to speak to the RFL for postponement - www.therhinos.co.uk/news/11065.php'" Well it's fair and right they do that in my view but I can imagine a stink being kicked up elsewhere if it happens.

What's the rule regarding number of players called up?

I mentioned it earlier in this thread I think. It's four players you can request a postponement if 7 days notice is given to the opposition.

you would be a bit annoyed if you had booked a weekend away and it got moved.

To be honest i agree with them, it should be same for every team. Where Leeds cant have their internationals playing other teams like us could do.

Thanks Bilko


Wandering Warrior makes a very interesting point. Three players called up and it's tough luck. Four and you get the weekend off.
Wonder if Catalans will call off their game against Castleford.

Quote ="Frosties."well Leeds vs quins game might not be on that weekend as Leeds are going to speak to the RFL for postponement - www.therhinos.co.uk/news/11065.php'" You could end up playing that game mid-week at some point if postponed. Quins already have to play their postponed game with the Crusaders as well. The only free weekends are the Challenge cup SF and Final weekends and you already can't play them on the SF weekend and if you make the final then you can't play them that weekend either.

Quote ="Frosties."well Leeds vs quins game might not be on that weekend as Leeds are going to speak to the RFL for postponement - www.therhinos.co.uk/news/11065.php'" You could end up playing that game mid-week at some point if postponed. Quins already have to play their postponed game with the Crusaders as well. The only free weekends are the Challenge cup SF and Final weekends and you already can't play them on the SF weekend and if you make the final then you can't play them that weekend either.

=#8000FFBeen moved to midweek.

Nope, but getting into the Toyota Cup team of the season, breaking into the first grade at the Storm and getting good reviews from people within the game and the fans is a very good start. For a 21 year old Englishman that's a great start, and he wouldn't have been picked if Mcnamara didn't think he was ready.

Jordan Tansey

No thank you.

Any particular reason?

He's as bad as Mathers?

Yes we are

Quote ="inside_man"Widdops a big suprise. Thought he said he wanted to play for Aus? Or is he just using us as a stepping stone to prove he can cut it before jumping ship?'" [iMelbourne Storm rookie Gareth Widdop says he never had any doubts about playing for England.[/i www.sportinglife.com/rugbyleague ... iddop.html

Quote ="inside_man"Widdops a big suprise. Thought he said he wanted to play for Aus? Or is he just using us as a stepping stone to prove he can cut it before jumping ship?'" [iMelbourne Storm rookie Gareth Widdop says he never had any doubts about playing for England.[/i www.sportinglife.com/rugbyleague ... iddop.html