Re: 4 Nations Squads : Mon Oct 20, 2014 11:05 pm  

jpk3lly wrote:

As long as all the games are close and competitive.

All 4 squads aren't too far apart from each other and I think it'll be a cracking contest with 7 great games over 4 weekends. I really hope the Kiwis make the final though, because Wellington sports fans aren't renowned for turning up at events at the best of times.

Re: 4 Nations Squads : Tue Oct 21, 2014 5:41 am  

I'm just negative because I don't want to feel let down again. I HOPE they win the tournament. Just like when they beat a weakened Kiwi team over three tests a few years ago, I don't care if their opponents are weaker for whatever reason - you can only beat who you play.

My feeling is we'll lose to both NZ and Australia, but if England genuinely compete in both games for the full 80 minutes that will be a step forward IMO, especially over here.

Re: 4 Nations Squads : Tue Oct 21, 2014 7:24 am  

England team: S Tomkins (New Zealand Warriors); J Charnley (Wigan), K Watkins (Leeds), M Shenton (Castleford), R Hall (Leeds); G Widdop (St George Illawarra), M Smith (Wigan); G Burgess (South Sydney), J Hodgson (Hull KR), J Graham (Canterbury Bulldogs, capt), L Farrell (Wigan), J Tomkins (Wigan), J Westerman (Hull).

Replacements: D Clark (Castleford), B Ferres (Huddersfield), T Burgess (South Sydney), C Hill (Warrington).

Re: 4 Nations Squads : Tue Oct 21, 2014 7:32 am  

Back row looks weak.

Re: 4 Nations Squads : Tue Oct 21, 2014 7:39 am  

Even as a Wigan fan I think Joel is lucky to be in there. I'm really surprised Whitehead hasn't been given the chance to show what he can do. I'm pleased to see Farrell get a chance to start the game. I know people worry about his size but he's a terrific player and will cause any defence some problems.

We desperately need O'Loughlin back for next week though. He's our only genuine world class backrower and we can't afford for him to miss any more games after this week.

Re: 4 Nations Squads : Tue Oct 21, 2014 7:57 am  

Tomkins over Whitehead is shocking from that clown McNamara.

Re: 4 Nations Squads : Tue Oct 21, 2014 8:06 am  

That back row is absolutely shocking, neither Farrell or Tomkins should be anywhere near an England shirt.
Was looking forward to this 4N too.

Re: 4 Nations Squads : Tue Oct 21, 2014 8:20 am  

The omission of Elliot Whitehead is an act of incompetence so grotesque that it leads a reasonable person to suspect a condition of insanity in the mind of the coach.

Re: 4 Nations Squads : Tue Oct 21, 2014 8:30 am  

tigertot wrote:

Back row looks weak.

Everyone's first observation except McNamara!

Samoa's wingers are bigger than our 11-13.

Re: 4 Nations Squads : Tue Oct 21, 2014 8:32 am  

tigertot wrote:

Back row looks weak.

I think Farrell and Westerman deserve to be in that back row from the players available.

Tomkins over Whitehead is a poor decision (having said that I'm not overly sure about Whitehead in defence, but he's clearly had a better season than Tomkins and is very, very good with the ball).