Bit harsh on Crabtree though mate

They'll get a few Air Miles I suppose.

Pleased for Tom, has worked really hard this season and really is starting to look the part.

Still needs to work on his positioning though mate....agree he is looking better mind.

The game is a farce; wouldn't we just be better off picking an all star game of some kind; nominate two coaches who take turns picking players live on tv.

Nathan Brown coaching one side, Maguire the other.

Might be upsettign for Craig Hall when he gets picked last.

dont you think we need this type of game to give us a chance to play together?

It is a chance to play together as a team I agree but we really need to play against a side that will push us all the way. Our downfall is always the intensity when we play against the Aussies and invariably we fall away later in the game.

I personally would like to see England play against an Anzac team of players over here in Super League from both Oz and NZ, I think this would give Steve McNamara the chance to see how we play under some real pressure.

Nothing against the French and they do need to be involved in Internationals as often as possible but what chance that we run away with the game and win by 40-50 points? Not sure who benefits from that type of game.

yes

Yes, I think it gives Mac the chance to see how they gel etc.

agreed it would be nice to play tougher opponents. do we need to get our players fitter to last the full 80min like the aussies?

We need to expose our top players to a higher level of rugby as often as possible be it via and Origin style game or a rep game against an Anzac team for example.

more internationals altogether??

www.sporthull.co.uk/headlines/HU ... ticle.html

www.sporthull.co.uk/headlines/HU ... ticle.html

anyone surprised tom was the only player from the hull clubs?

Not really, don't think Fox and Briscoe deserved to be in on form and at Hull the only other options would have been Tickle or Tansey. I thought Tansey might have a chance but he has gone for Widdop which is a strange choice for me.

I thought Yeaman might have had a shot tbh.

Same here, and maybe Tansey...however I think due to our form being pants for the last 2 seasons they may still have to prove their worth, I reckon if they keep their form till the end of the season they maybe in with a shout, as my Tickle.

possibly if Ellis/Burgess had not played but then again ben harrison has missed out and can play front or back row and would have him ahead of Tickle.

Obviously a given that Briscoe will play as one of only 2 wingers in the squad.

Tansey has been too inconsistant for me but obv mac has identified full back as a weak area for us and willing to try Widdop there

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perfect game to try him out

Tansey has been more consistent than Widdop, who has hardly played. Harrison looks good but too soon for him I reckon, we have better players.

Widdop must have been sensational in the 2 games he has played in the NRL.

I think Widdop's call up was more a case of ensuring he was committed to England before any future Australian interest. He would qualify for Australia when his dual citizenship comes through.

is the France game an officially recognised one, can recall someonw playing a similar game before then playing for another nation not long after and this was allowed due to the category of the fixture

Tonie Carroll managed to play for both Oz and NZ in full test matches so not sure it even matters in todays game.

He wasn't. He did fairly well but nothing to warrant a Rep call.