Quote foz11="foz11"Widdop
Goulding
Gleeson
Atkins
Hall
Tomkins
Eastmond
Graham
Sinfield
Morley (capt)
Ellis
Burgess
O'Loughlin
Bench
Roby
J.Tomkins
Fielden
Westwood
Dependant on weather you want two props or to backrowers on the bench. It really would be harsh on Westwood if he doesnt play for England at the end of the year as he has had an outstanding season for Warrington this year. I personally think we will have 3 props rotating due to the fact Graham, Morley and Fielden can play long minutes and Burgess can allways do a stint in the front row if required. Darrell Goulding has got the nod for me because he has been in great try scoring from for Wigan this year and has had a good partnership with Martin Gleeson. The only positional change I would make is Sinfield starting at 9 with Robes coming of the bench when the Aussie/Kiwi forwards are tiring. IMO we have the best set of forwards in the world that should be able to dominate Australia and New Zealand. The backs are a totally different kettle of fish because with the exception of Eastmond, Tomkins, Hall and Gleeson I doubt Australia/New Zealand will be quaking in there boots at facing Atkins, Goulding and Widdop but unfortunatley they are the best in Super League that we have to offer in the present time. Weather Eastmond will be fit for the Four Nations is another matter because I have heard that he is out for the season with Saints which would be a blow for us.'"
id go with
1. Tomkins
2. Briscoe
3.Gleeson
4.Atkins
5. Hall
6. Widdop
7. Easmond
8. Morley
9. Sinfield
10. Graham
11. Ellis
12. Burgess
13. locky
14. Roby
15. Tomkins
16. Westwood
17. Crabtree
Widdop is playing most of his rugby at 6 and will play at 6 for the Storm next year. Tomkins is shaping up to be a very very special fullback, the extra space makes him even more dangerous and allows him to pick and chose his attacking chances.
Goulding needs service to make anything happen something he will not get nearly as much at this level, but worth a place on the plane. Briscoe is a far more dynamic runner and can make things happen.
Sinfield picks himself as hooker with Roby coming off the bench.
Props starters pick themselves, I would rotate the props with Burgess moving forward and a secondrow coming on as a direct sub.
Coley and Fielden have had outstanding seasons, but I have gone for Crabtree off the bench to give us that impact. he was very good last year and his style is suited to bench at this level.
Gleeson and Atkins are always going to be up against it regardless of who they are opposing in the Green and Gold but both are defensively strong, although I do worry about Atkins "smarts" in defence.
No matter who we pick though we are going to have to play at our best and catch the Aussies cold if we are to stand any chance, but I do fancy us against the Kiwi's and PNG especially with Smith on the coaching staff.
