Saints fans used to apply the same blinkered club criteria when supporting and defending the selection of Sean Long as first choice halfback for GB, despite his overwhelming number of poor performances in international games over an extensive period of time. They'd point to his club form in Super League for St Helens, which is what you are now doing with McGuire who has performed overwhelmingly poorly for England in the RLWC08 and Four Nations 09.



If Australia applied NRL form guides as the sole criteria for selecting their teams, the likes of Lockyer, Fittler, Civoniceva and countless other Kangaroo players past and present wouldn't have chalked up half as many international appearances as they did. However, they are - and were - continuously selected on the basis of their international form and ability to step up several gears in rep games on a consistent basis.



Eastmond (if fit) and Tomkins have earned their opportunity as current first choice incumbents by performing better than McGuire in rep games in recent times.

Surprised you've discarded Widdop so soon after his quality debut. A quality you pre-warned me he would show (when I expressed doubts over the wisdom of his inclusion from his NRL reserve grade background) and you were proven correct.







This is something I'm hearing quite a lot and yet Peacock has once again been outstanding for Leeds this season up to his injury in Round 25 of 27, including lifting Leeds by their bootstraps at times throughout their run to the prestigious Challenge Cup Final.



To rule him out solely on the basis of a late season injury may yet prove a premature call.

That was largely before Tomkins had been operating at full back for Wigan.



Widdopp is a talent, no doubt, and (Tomkins aside) is better than any other full back available to us. I just think that Tomkins would be equally dangerous from that position and has more big game experience. I have no qualms about Widdop playing in the France game (if just to confirm his eligibility for us!) but I think McGuire's form warrants inclusion in the side.



I'd find a place for McGuire, Eastmond and Tomkins - that means Widdop misses out for me. When he's playing every week, he'll be able to press his claim a bit more.



IMO of course!

Problem I have with Tompkins at FB is his bulk size. He's a skinny little runt and will get muscled off the ball more often than not. He didnt look particularly good against us either there.

what do you mean by muscled off the ball? I think his defence is very strong actually.

Running back for it or if 2 players jump for the ball at the same time he will lose the majority of minor collisions. Webb on the other hand maybe short but he has a bit of bulk to him if that makes sence.

Tomkins coughed up a return carry in the recent Leeds game that Senior scored from one play later.



I know every full-back does it from time to time but I hope that's a lesson learned especially as the impact that caused the fumble was provided by Burrow.



On the positive side he rode Ablett's challenge well and was still up for the ensuing scrap had one developed. My type of International player.

Against the Aussies last year Tomkins really got in amongst them, something McGuire never looked like doing. Tomkins has also developed an absolute drill of a fend from somewhere which is making him a very dangerous runner indeed, despite the fact he can only step off his left.

Definately under "etc.."

lee briers after he lifts the challenge cup.

Who won it then?

Really still believe he should be contender.



Unlike richards, he produced in the big game.