Sooner they concentrate on FC and are never picked for England/Knights/GB or whatever they are now...wont improve them being smashed by the Aussies.

we can agree on that

Pains me to say it as have done the internationals and used to enjoy going but when you have a numptylike Mcbannana in charge and then the RFL give us a crap game after we sold out the KC v the Kiwis well im sorry but they can shove it.

Playing against better opposition won't improve them? That's new to me.

This year may be too soon, but I certainly hope they get picked in the future. Playing against the best in the world is what helps make you become the best in the world.

To beat the man (wooooh!) you've gotta beat the man, as the saying goes.

Both still got loads to learn before they are anywhere near the Senior international set up but like many have said (and not just Hull fans ) , Both should be knocking on the door of the Knight squad soon.

The Knights squad for both is the natural progression.

Full International level can be very harsh on a young player both Crooks and Lineham are still developing this year and do not need to be over exposed this early in their careers.

I would love to know where McNamara places Danny Houghton in his hooking role options though.

Hey guys, saw last nights game, and gotta say Lineham looks like he could handle the physicality of international RL. Great player, and outside the right centre he could do one of heck of a job. The trouble is, the only centre in SL with a decent amount of international experience is Martin Gleeson, and even if he was good enough anymore, I highly doubt McNamara would pick him. Don't get me wrong, Watkins is a great talent, but he hasn't played enough international RL to guide a raw talent around the park. That said, he's one of the top five wingers in SL, so I'd take him and maybe play him alongside a more defensive player like Reed.

Suddenly a back line of Lineham, Reed, Watkins and Hall looks very exciting, possibly the best since Robinson, Newlove, Connolly and Offiah.

Also, Crooks looks very gifted, but he may need time to develop physically.

The key positions where England are lacking IMO is half back and centre. Had we had a Gary Connolly type centre then Lineham may well have been the gun call up on the wing.

As things stand a Watkins/Lineham wing centre partnership would seem too raw for the world cup but maybe a huge gamble worth paying????

Over to you Mr McNamara - either way you will be called wrong

Possibly but not for the Exiles game, we need 'em!!

Continue in current form and both could be dark horses for world cup selection, especially if any of the current "shoe in's" cop an injury

My head tells me that it is to early for Lineham but then I think that the only chance we have against Australia is to throw a couple of bolters into our backline to take them by surprise. Our pack will match theirs I have no doubt.
Crooks needs another year or so to develop in what is a more physically and mentally challenging position. Will undoubtedly be a knight though and a full international in the future.

Thats the call isnt it? The safe option will win us nothing but to gamble on a youngster may well be the a worthwhile one.

Agree that Crooks is at least a year off and Lineham could be that gamble.

Currently the two hottest properties in SL?

They're certainly a very exciting pair who look like they're enjoying their time at the club and aren't a pair of prima donnas.

Tom needs to develop a bit of taste though and get off the Special Brew.

I wouldn't swap them for anyone in SL but this year is too early for me.

These 2 are future legends... Very good young players that we have to hold down to long deals; out shining Yeamo and Briscoe at the present time.

Long contracts a must for these two definately England material in the future but even PG said in his interview on friday night that they're doing well but make mistakes which they'll learn from so at the mo too early for international call up methinks. Another season or so under PG's tuition and we'll have a world class pairing out on the right !!

Really stepped up and played well thanks to injuries to Arundel and Crookes. Judging on their form you wouldn't think Lineham and Crooks are our back up centre and wingers. The thing is about an England call up is that the squad has never been picked on form since GB back in early 2000's. players such as Sinfield, Peacock, Wilkin and others will all feature because of their name. I can pick several players that have been far better this year.

Fatnamara picks who Hetherington tells him to, it's been clear since his appointment.

Peacock's retired but I reckon he's still not far away from being England quality anyway, Sinfield is captain and plays 6 for the Champions, there aren't many (if any) better, even if he isn't in great form, and Wilkin won't play unless there are a few injuries.

People have this idea of McNamara but he hasn't done a lot wrong as England coach in the past 2 years or so, and is doing a much better job than Noble and Tony Smith did IMO.

England Knights. Future internationals for sure.

One thing I am pleased to see in Lineham's play is his willingness to learn from mistakes. After Hall scored his try last weekend, Lineham seemed to make his mind up that he wouldn't be outjumped again. That to me makes the difference between a good player and a great player

Exactly what I was thinking.

Craig Hall's try, whilst a fantastic bit of skill to take it, should never have been allowed to happen had Lineham done, well... something! He wasn't sure if he wanted to take the ball so didn't jump and wanted to watch it go out, but forgot to turn around and look to see if someone was there!
Next set, ball goes to that corner again, fantastic two-handed catch! And did the same with other Hall (Ryan) this weekend.

That skill (jumping and catching the ball with arms outstretched whilst under pressure) is EXTREMELY difficult. It's something that Pat Richards as managed to master and it's how he scores a great chunk of his tries. As good a defensive tool to have, if utilised right Tom could be scoring a shed load of tries in that corner if Holdworth can master the cross field kick to him! Very exciting times!

While on the topic of Crooks n Lineham surely they must be in the running for young player of the year along with liam farell at wigan.
Who was the last player to win player of the year or young player from Hull anyone ? (if not sl then the top league)

Good summary by Neil Barraclough in his "5 things we learned this week" blog:

"Three – Ben Crooks and Tom Lineham look the real deal

Whether by happy accident or brilliant planning, Hull have stumbled on a centre-wing partnership that looks as though it will torment teams for years to come. The Airlie Birds sent out their own statement of intent with Friday's win over Leeds - suddenly both Wembley and Old Trafford look realistic propositions for a side that struggled during the opening weeks of the year - but it is their right side that really catches the eye. Crooks was brilliant in offloading for Joe Westerman's try, [uthen Lineham showed maturity beyond his years and Crooks blasted on the afterburners for Hull's second score. [/uAfterwards Peter Gentle labelled the pair “pretty special kids”. Few would disagree."

Like that description

Whiting