Re: Betts England assisstant : Sun May 01, 2016 6:55 pm  

Wigg'n wrote:

True. George and Tom have been really poor. With those 2, Cooper and Walmsley all out of form, the prop selection might be shaken up a bit with Green/Bowden/Taylor/Millington getting a look in.

Another big selection headache is at 9 with Hodgson currently the best player in the NRL, Clark in great form and Roby would still walk into most teams.

Would that be Grant Millington the Australian? I think both Taylor and Watts could/should get a look in this year. Cooper and the Burgess twins have been awful this year but will probably still get selected.

The shoulder by Sims was disgusting, a disgrace that all the referees on the field missed it.

Re: Betts England assisstant : Mon May 02, 2016 1:35 am  

Wigg'n wrote:

O'Loughlin performs an entirely different role to Sam Burgess who is effectively an extra prop whereas O'Loughlin is an extra pivot. Obviously O'Loughlin wouldn't get in the team on current form as he is sat at home resting up for the business end of the season but Sam Burgess isn't exactly playing well either.

The difference is that playing 13 allows Burgess to move about the field and pick his involvements in attack more carefully, as well as meaning he can play longer minutes by defending one channell wider.
Also, at prop we have the Burgess twins (if they regain form), Graham, Hill and Walmsley if we play with 5 props (with Cooper and Cuthbertson knocking on the door), putting burgess at prop means one misses out, and all 5 would be in on merit over O'Loughlin

I also hope we dont try shoehorn him in at 6 as that never works

Re: Betts England assisstant : Mon May 02, 2016 1:50 am  

starting 17, IF people get back to form they are capable of/ back from injuries

1 Hardaker (concceded VERY few points against NZ and Bennet will be able to bring him into the attack more)
2 Manfredi
3 Watkins
4 Reed
5 Hall (Mcgilvery pushing hime but his strike rate against Aus is ridiculous)
6 Widdop/ Tomkins (picked purely on form)
7 Gale (needs a shot)
8 G Burgess
9 Hodgeson
10 Graham
11 Bateman
12 Whitehead
13 S Burgess

14 Clarke (better than Roby as an impact player)/ Tomkins (if not at 6)
15 T. Burgess
16 Walmsley/Hill (form)
17 Currie/Ward (form)