Re: England's Spine : Tue Mar 02, 2021 2:38 pm  

Just realised I somehow overlooked Williams when I was chopping and changing him and Gale in the halves, Tomkins at FB. Ratchford in reserve.

Re: England's Spine : Tue Mar 02, 2021 2:47 pm  

Steph Curry wrote:

We’ve been hearing this about Connor for the past 7 years. When exactly is he going to reach this potential all the hull fans say he has? He will be retiring in a few years.

Actual quality players show if from an early age, not their late 20’s

Thats kind of the point though. I agree that quality players are quality players from a young age, but they aren't the finished article until their late 20s. Connor is 26 now, he should just be moving into his peak years. He has quality, but now he needs to prove that he can do it consistently and when not everything is going his way. Radford as a coach had a terrible track record for developing players. Connor is now going to play in his best position with a coach who knows that position inside out.

Everything is there for him to play his best rugby this year. If he doesn't excel then we probably have to accept that he's a talented player who isn't quite ever going to reach the very top tier.

Re: England's Spine : Tue Mar 02, 2021 5:02 pm  

I think a large part of it will come down to what role does Wane want the hooker to play. Does he want an 80 minute player who can defend the whole game, does he want to use 2 hookers and have them keep the opponents on the back foot from quick dummy half play? Some players will just not suit Wane's vision for the role.

Re: England Spine : Tue Mar 02, 2021 5:29 pm  

Les Norton wrote:

Clark’s strength is capitalising on quick play the balls and running at retreating defenders. He wouldn’t get much of these opportunities in the NRL or at international level against Australia or NZ. He distribution isn’t all that. Very good SL level player, of which there is no doubt. But at international level there’s better options.

Thank you. Although I still put him above Hodgson!

Re: England's Spine : Tue Mar 02, 2021 11:18 pm  

MillennialRhino wrote:

Well no one has mentioned Paul McShane, current Man of Steel.

Should he not be given a shot!?!?

If he’s fit I think Wane will select him.
Wouldn’t necessarily be my choice but he is a type of player that Wane likes.

Re: England's Spine : Fri Mar 05, 2021 2:36 pm  

ploinerrhino wrote:

Perhaps Walker was a little overated , but it is injuries that have really held him back !

It has to be said that ANY Leeds youngster that breaks into their squad, in any position, is always hailed as the "next big thing".
Walker does look to be a decent player but, I didn't have him in the frame for England, not yet.