all speculation at the moment i suppose, however he mentions he would be happy there for England www.eurosport.co.uk/rugby-league ... tory.shtml? Would suit me tbh I think Hardaker has to be a shoe in for the FB slot but there is no way you could leave Sam out. Sam and Widdop is a very exiting prospect IMO

all speculation at the moment i suppose, however he mentions he would be happy there for England www.eurosport.co.uk/rugby-league ... tory.shtml? Would suit me tbh I think Hardaker has to be a shoe in for the FB slot but there is no way you could leave Sam out. Sam and Widdop is a very exiting prospect IMO

That's the way forward IMO. Hardaker at fb with Tomkins and Widdop in the halves looks very dangerous to me.

Agreed: Looking forward to these internationals (McBanana notwithstanding). I think for the first time in ages we have exceptional talent across the park. Although I just hope the squad isn't only called together for a couple of training sessions towards the end of October & we go in half-baked (again).

BTW, anyone know about parking at Epping? Looks to be the logical place to get the tube into the Olympic Park??

With Johnson and Foran out our halves have no reason not to totally dominate proceedings (presuming the forwards don't get totally flattened which I doubt).

With that in mind I'd now bring Williams in to the squad even if he's not a starter. I'd start Tomkins and Widdop and have Gale backing them up with Williams providing cover for both halfback and hooker.

I wish Bowen was four years younger, Bowen, Tomkins and Williams would be a very exciting combination.

Is Bowen retiring at the end of the season? Not seen any article about his plans.

I heard there were a few SL clubs sniffing around him. Would be a good signing for a few sides IMO.

you are better off parking at shenfield or harold wood and getting the overland direct to stratford both near m25

Cheers for that - it's 30 years since I lived anywhere near (Stamford Hill), I suspect things have changed a little since

I heard Widnes offered him something but he wants to go back to Aus... could've changed since then though.

That would be ironic given Wigan's reluctance to play him on the plastic pitch of theirs to protect his knees.

Sure I read he'd got a role sorted working with the aboriginal community.

Seems a top man.

The rumour is Hardaker may miss the tour with a knee injury that requires surgury, so Tomkins may end up at full back after all. If true I hope Gale gets a go in the halves.

I'd agree with that.

You'd have to think Hardaker would be desperate to delay it though given it looks his best ever chance of getting a spot this year.

There is a large car part at Epping Tube Station which won't be busy on a Saturday

Wouldn't it be better for the player if he had the opp next week ?.

I heard the same about Tomkins.

And Watkins is apparently having surgery too. We may end up with back line of:

Widdop/Ratchford
Burgess
Shenton
Reed
Hall
Widdop/McGuire/Williams
Gale

I'd rather have Percival than Shenton tbh.

Without a doubt. He may be a Saint but he's developing very nicely and you can see his confidence building.

I'd have him in the squad even if everyone is fit.

Might be a risk, but I'd pull Rocky into the squad as replacement FB.

What exactly has Hampshire done to convince you he's an international?

We already have enough of a handicap by having McNamara is charge, without adding players who can't even get a domestic game.