I'd probably go with Hardaker in the centres, it's the one position we still seem to struggle to produce quality players in this country. Watkins is the only international standard specialist British centre in SL IMO. Players like Shenton, Atkins and Cudjoe are excellent SL players but always look out of their depth at international level. Reed is another option, but I think if Hardaker finishes this season in his pre-ban form then he should be in the starting XIII.



We've got plenty of good young forwards, and I think this year's 4N should be the start of phasing out a lot of our 30+ players. I've got Lockers in there because he's too good not to pick if he's available, but I agree with everyone who has stated concerns about his injuries, and it may well be we need to start thinking of a new long-term 13.



Tomkins

Charnley

Watkins

Hardaker

Hall

Widdop

Sinfield (though I think this year should definitely be the time to start looking at more long-term options, he will always be McNamara's first pick)

Graham

Roby

Hill

Farrell

Ferres

O'Loughlin



G Burgess

Taylor/Walmsley/Amor/Huby

Whitehead/Westwood/Bateman - possibly Joel Tomkins depending on how he plays on his return, he's looking an absolute monster

Clark

I think the biggest cause for concern in this England team is Steve McNamara because I wouldn't put it past him to rangi chase in with sinfield again

In terms of selections McNamara has generally done a better job than many people give him credit for. He also made sure Widdopp chose England rather than Origin, which meant making a very early call on picking him. As it stands if fit Widdopp is likely to be England's 6 for years to come.



Its easy to criticise him - I'd say he probably retained Chase for one game too long last year - but its not as though he had Andy Gregory and Garry Schofield ready to play but not being picked.



The more I watch Tomkins BTW the more I'd be looking at moving him to 6 or even 7 for England, as his defence at the back will be an absolute liability, whereas Hardaker can run the ball back hard and is far more secure under the high ball and one-on-one. I'd risk Tomkins in the line.



TBH if Clark can play 80 minutes and Roby can't, I'd go with Clark. We lose far too much having to interchange the hooker. Maybe Roby should watch how Cameron Smith takes breathers in games - he's the best I've seen at picking moments to let someone else into acting half or make a tackle.

S Tomkins

T Makinson

K Watkins

M Shenton

R Hall

G Widdop

K Sinfield

J Graham

J Roby

G Burgess

B Ferres

B Westwood

E Whitehead



C Hill

M Cooper

D Clark

L Farrell



This is roughly what I think McNamara will go for. I can't fit Hardaker in the team and I still expect Sinfield to hold a place for a while yet, so Sneyd and Brown miss out too. McIlorum and O'Loughlin have been injured too much to be included, and Charnley, Cudjoe and Briscoe haven't shown international standard form this year. Mike Cooper will get the nod over Huby/Amor (other SL props) because he's in Oz in a closer spotlight to the coach, not that he doesn't deserve it mind. You can't omit Shenton and Whitehead due to blistering form either. Jack Reed always gets a mention but if you watch the NRL he hasn't been amazing.

Sam Tomkins has been pretty much playing in the halves for the Warriors this year anyway, he's more than capable of slotting in there.



As for the backrower debate, I'd put Whitehead in there, he's been brilliant.

If he doesn't pick Clark he should be sacked on the spot.

Roby does 80 minutes at Saints almost every week, it's a myth he can't.



I've always wondered why Austrailia have a half back on the bench to be honest, I think that's a far more debatable tactic than having an interchange hooker.

1. Hardaker

2. Charnley

3. Shenton

4. Watkins

5. Hall

6. S.Tomkins

7. Widdop

8. Graham (c)

9. Roby

10. Hill

11. Ferres

12. Westwood

13. O'Loughlin



14. G.Burgess

15. Clarke

16. Taylor

17. J.Tomkins/Farrell (see how quickly he gets back up to speed)



18. Sinfield

19. Makinson/Briscoe (see how they go in the play offs)

20. Reed

21. Cooper

22. Huby

23. Burrow

24. Farrell/Bateman (depending on whether J.Tomkins looks good enough)



Hardaker is too good to leave out IMO especially as S.Tomkins defence at FB can be a bit suspect and we struggle for good half backs. As someone who watches Smith every week I'm not yet convinced of his ability to turn up in big games, particularly when things aren't going our way. I know it's tough to play behind a beaten pack but I still think Widdop or Tomkins would have thrown more at the opposition v Leeds (A) and Cas (H, cup) this year than Smith did.

Agree entirely about Smith. Another in a long line of competent British half backs who look good behind a dominant team. He is a good passer & kicker but is not creative nor a danger anywhere but near the line. He reminds me very much of Deacon in that respect.

Well he ignored last years Man of Steel, Albert Goldthorpe medal winner, Capt of the League leaders and SLs top point scorer so don't think he's not capable of ignoring Clarke

Indeed he is. But he's a former Wire player. I'm surprised people are picking Chris Hill.....well, apart from Wakey Saint who decided to pick Kyle Amor instead.

Hill's a definite starter for me and I know its bordering on heresy, but, is Westwood's current form good enough to get him selected?