Don't know about how he compares to when at Wakefield, but he's improved a lot during his time at Warrington and is currently playing better than in his first season at Warrington last year.

That’s an interesting list and I remember watching them all play regularly



I would put Newlove into my all time GB 13 – an absolutely fantastic player. Schofield similarly was a great player and would complement any current team



What I am not sure about is Lydon and Connoly – both were athletic players but did they have the skills and talent to be something special. It can never be proven but I think both benefited from being essentially full time in a part time league. Put Shenton (fast with sound skills) in the Wigan team of the late 80’s early 90’s and would we be saying the same thing about him?

Gary Connolly was no legendary player I don't think. I remember the arguments about him having no attack and only being able to defend when he was selected for internationals.

Connolly only scored 1 try in 30 odd games for GB didn't he? Great defender but zero attacking ability at the highest level. I can't say I remember being that good for GB really. Always seemed like he couldn't be d.

Exactly what the England team needs this you are right.



I would rather show off the athletes we have. Show how tough this game really is.



Jamie Foster is not even the best young English winger at St Helens IMO.

The likes of Shenton and Atkins are IMO not in the same league as Connolly and Lydon.



I agree though about Newlove,probably GB/England's best centre over the last 20/30 years.

Sorry I forgot to say that Shenton and Atkins are probably in the same mould as the likes of Darren Wright and Andy Currier,really good club players but not good enough at International level IMO.

I watched Joe Lydon play a lot of rugby and I can't think of a single attribute that Shenton doesn't have. If Lydon was playing today I genuinely think he would be an average player. Connolly was physically stronger but again not a stand out player for me and would be good to average in today’s Super League

Lydon was bloody quick when he was young (Wembley 84 springs to mind). IMO Schofield in his late teens/early twenties was better than Newlove in the centres. Have a look at the tries he scored for GB in 1984 if you want proof - creating and supporting work of the highest order (two of his tries that series would be amongst the best you'll ever see). People remember him more as a stand off nowadays but when he had pace he was a genuine world class centre.



Its a shame Jack Reed seems likely to commit to Queensland (and therefore Australia). Long-term one of our younger players may end up being better (Reed looks like the sort of player who'll end up in the forwards as well), but right now he's a solid player and a far better all-round centre than anyone mentioned on this thread.



I hope our kids kick on. Atkins to me seems like a classic SL player - reached a level and makes hay in SL, but with obvious flaws in his game that ought to be ironed out but won't be because there's no pressure on him to get any better. Sadly I suspect most of the prospects being touted on here will end up the same.

I genuinley laughed at this post

We should make Nick Fozzard the face of RL

Atkins still needs improvement, no doubt, but he is now coming under increasing pressure at Wire if he wants to stay at centre. Kallum Watkins looks promising but was murdered by Rhys Evans when they faced up at the HJ. Evans too inexperienced right now ( plus he's injured ) but looks a long-term bet for England centre. Atkins is still a better attacking option than Shenton who is excellent defensively but contributes little in attack.