[url=http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/nrl-stars-in-brisbane-for-four-nations-questioned-over-fight-at-hot-gossip-nightclub/story-fnihsrf2-1227095514731?nk=60c1252641c7a043e602103f2599b0cb[uFour Nations tournament kicks off early![/u[/url

The weakest Aus team in 50 years was the one that narrowly won the Ashes in 2003. The backs then (particularly centres - Craig Wing, Mick De Vere, Phil Bailey) were way worse than the current squad. Despite that causing them a massive loss of point-scoring capability, they still won all three tests.

....now now Billy



They were just letting off steam

Maybe this is just me but everyone is so negative about 4 nations, and regardless of the outcome of the tournament people on here will just tear England to shreds over it. If we lose, there will be page after page of "same old garbage" and "Mc Banana Out" and if we win people will just say that we were up against weakened opposition and it's not a real win. And god forbit if we get beat by Samoa, regardless of the fact that whilst they may not be players who would be first choice in either Australia or New Zealand's starting line up, it is still a squad of NRL first teamers with a couple of super league players, players who are used to the intensity of the NRL week and week out, they will be no push overs. But I fear if they do win any games, there won't be very many comments of, "well we may now have a side who can compete with big 3 at long last!" it will just be all doom and gloom and comments about what a sorry state the game is in.



As long as all the games are close and competitive and England put a good effort in, I will be happy. As people have mentioned, there probably isn't a better time than now to come home with the trophy and hopefully a competition win will maybe bring some more interest into the sport and more emphasis on the international scene. Here's hoping anyway.

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.

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.

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).

Back row looks weak.

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.

Tomkins over Whitehead is shocking from that clown McNamara.

That back row is absolutely shocking, neither Farrell or Tomkins should be anywhere near an England shirt.

Was looking forward to this 4N too.

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.