Ryan had by his own admission an appalling 4 nations last year in his first international appearances, with his defence in the New Zealand game being particularly poor against an in-form Shaun Kenny-Dowall. [urlhttp://www.rugbyleaguebetting.net/super-league/wolves%E2%80%99-ryan-atkins-back-and-feeling-much-better/[/url



Since this point he has probably been in he best form of his career and has arguably been the form centre in Super League during the last 3 months. His stats (for what they are worth) show he has scored 19 tries from 20 games with a further 10 assists, whilst missing 9 tackles which compares well to Shenton (24 misses), Yeamen (19 misses), J Tomkins (20 misses) and Welham (54 misses), albeit in a strong Warrington team. However my judgement of him is that he is certainly a good athlete with good footwork and strength capable of breaking the line.



What have fans of opposition teams made of him this season, and would you consider him to be worth another chance in the 4 nations this year? Is he considered to be behind some/all of those other left centres mentioned above? Has he had his chance for England?

My opinion is the same as that of the Wire fans that recently started a thread bemoaning his performances. He's a fine athlete, but he's not a centre in a million years. His tries come from his speed and size and from playing for such a strong team. He would disappear at international level at centre.



He would make a good winger I think. It's time they had a good think about England's back line. I'd like to see the likes of Cudjoe, Lawrence and McGilvray given a chance and you can't leave Jamie Foster out either as he's the Beckham-esque centre piece of the sport.

Agree with all of that Saddened, except Jamie Foster. He'd get mullered.



There's no point in having someone who can kick conversions, unless you get the tries first.

Its between Atkins and Shenton for me. I would usually say Shenton is the better player however if we are talking about this season only, it has to be Ryan. Michael has gone downhill since his transfer to a mediocre side.

I think Atkins struggles when he comes up against top quality opposition. I'd like to see Kallum Watkins get into some form and push for a spot this year, but it might be a year too early.

Kallum Watkins is an out and out right centre and shouldn't be considered at left centre in my opinion. I agree that he could push Chris Bridge hard for this position if he continues his recent form and the Challenge Cup Final is the perfect stage for him to stake his claim.

Would take Shenton over Atkins every time.

As for Foster: for what he contributes to Saints, he could sit in the stands and just come on the pitch for goal kicking duties. Don't think he'd get away with this in many other Super League sides let alone an International one.

Kallum Watkins, and Michael Lawrence are probably the best from the young centres coming through. I'd probably rather see those 2 given a chance over Shenton, Yeaman or Atkins.

What about inform centres like Welhan & Yeaman?

What is it about Foster? He's done very little in the games i've seen him play. Kick returns are generally mediocre and doesn't really look like making a break. Sure he's scored his fair share of tries this season, but Meli has argubly been the best centre in the comp this season putting alot of tries on a plate for him. Not on the same planet as Tom Briscoe imo. Plus I think he gets alot more of the spotlight because he is the teams goalkicker.

Hall, Briscoe, Charnley, BJB and Jermaine Mc should all be ahead of Foster in the pecking order. The guy is Matt Crowther mk2.

Not sure he has any real pace either? Saints fans may be able to tell me different.