Scubby

Radley could certainly play 9 and Knowles 13. Then perhaps bring on a Leeming or Clark and spell Knowles at 13 with Radley.

Maybe he is thinking he could go around for Saints again in 2023, albeit in a reduced role, and feels he couldn't do both.

Yep. Having two gun players vying for the pivotal position is a great option to have. In other positions we don't have that sadly - hence the calls to drag Roby away from his pipe and slippers.

I completely agree but it works both ways if you are saying Radley is a squad player behind Knowles. For me, they are both excellent players and that 13 jersey is wide open. If Knowles had played 12 tests then it is his shirt to lose - but he hasn't so it's all on.

Exactly my point. I was being ironic. Knowles is 25 and has played one test against France. I'm not sure where everyone is getting this world class assertion from? He hasn't really played against any of the World's top teams or countries. He looks a brilliant prospect but is untested like his rivals.

Yep he's the test incumbent having played er.... 1 test.

Yes Burgess after struggling for a couple of seasons is in the form of his life. He also has the size advantage over Marshall.

Yep, for me Burgess, Farnworth, Radley, Sutton, Young need adding to the England squad. Whitehead missing out along with Thompson, Hastings and Gildart. Sutton solid enough for a squad place but maybe not first choice 17.

I would have had him as an automatic selection and even pushing for captain a year or two ago. I have seen every Canberra game in 2022 and he just seems way off the pace. He was such a quick thinking player, always one step ahead and it's just not happening for him. Hope it is just a phase and he can come back but he isn't worth a place in the England squad on current form.

I have loved Elliot Whitehead, he is one of my favourite players over the last decade, but he should be nowhere near the England squad this year. His form has fallen off a cliff and he suddenly looks all his age (will be 33 at the world cup). His form may come back but he is a long way down the pecking order. So experienced but is the weak link for Canberra atm. Sometimes age and wear and tear just gets you.

David, you genuinely haven't got anything better on today because Toppy is in for the long haul on this!

Doesn't help the body language Wane has been giving off to NRL players.

At 20 and in an England-based WC (where family and friends live) I don't have a problem with that. Good on him. Tedesco and others have played for heritage countries when they were early in their careers.

Geez David it's only 7 o'clock. You've started early!

Great news on the injury front. Hope he doesn't miss any Zoom meetings between now and the World Cup

Young was pretty poor today despite his carries, could well have won the game for the Knights but bombed a chance. Defensively that was a shocker on Cotric!

Yep, that is always a risk. They need to bring back the magic sponge!

For me, Johnstone and Makinson should be the starting England wingers this time but would be happy to see Young in the squad. His time might come in the 2025 WC but it is obvious where his trajectory is going. Farnworth of 2 years ago (20) to now is chalk and cheese.

Naden's transfer to Wests seems to have consigned Gildart to NSW Cup.

He was also picked up and easily carried into touch in the first half. It was a better showing from him but even the commentators mentioned his size.

Welsby would make a great bench player and could allow Tomkins to move to 6 in the game at points and vary the attack. He can also fill in the centres. Shame about Dodd - he and Lomax were looking a brilliant pairing and sometimes club connections work like that in bigger arenas.

That is a big call. Newlove was world class at 18. I watched his first 10-20 games as a professional and I have never seen anything like it in terms of strength and agility at that age.

Yes probably agree, I think the comparison is just the no nonsense work rate. It actually showed up more last year when the Broncs were really struggling. His enthusiasm is exactly what the England team needs atm.

He reminds me a little bit of Garry Connolly - fit, fast, enthusiastic and strong - not flashy every play but 7/8 out of 10 in most games.

Just watched the Brisbane game - Farnworth is definitely the real deal. If he is fit he needs to be one of the starting centres - 6 tries in 8 games.