costa

In the past you could argue that Watts' attitude and professionalism was not up to international standard. I don't think you could say that this season and I think his performances have improved too, so his omission is probably the biggest shock. I can't see how he's suffered from the inclusion of Hastings, Austin & Coote though. Philbin has had a great season so if any of the big men were to make way for Watts then I would point to Chris Hill. But we know Bennett likes players who have been in and around the setup and big matches for a while, hence the inclusion of Hughes, Hall and McGillvary (and Ward and O'Loughlin). The exception to this rule is Stefan Ratchford. Is he injured? Grace should consider himself unlucky, particularly following the late withdrawal of Makinson. The outside backs certainly look like the weak link. Connor is the nearest thing to a proper centre after Gildart; maybe one of the Canberra lads or Jack Hughes will fill that spot? My 17 would be: 1. Zak Hardaker 2. Jermain McGillvary 3. Oliver Gildart 4. Jake Connor 5. Ryan Hall 6. Jonny Lomax 7. Jackson Hastings 8. James Graham (c) 9. Josh Hodgson 10. Alex Walmsley 11. Elliott Whitehead 12. John Bateman 13. Luke Thompson 14. George Williams 15. Chris Hill 16. Josh Jones 17. Joe Philbin

I watched on Ourleague. Very slick.

What evidence do you have for that? How do you know he was on for no good reason?

I disagree. He was 10m behind his own team and leaving the field. Rare for kicks to be charged down that far.

Trainers are entitled to be on the field if doing their job.

What happened in the game was a freak. You could change it to possession determing the attacking team, but 99% of these incidents occur when a referee is hit by a kicked ball. So it would also be unfair to ask the defending team to defend another 6.

I agree it's unfair but sadly that's the law.

When play is irregularly affected, as it was here, the attacking team get the feed. In these situations the attacking team is deemed to be the team with territorial advantage i.e. the team closest to their opponents goal line. The incident occurred in Canberra's half so Roosters were deemed to be the attacking team. Possession does not come into it. All above board, all correct. Just rotten luck for Canberra.

Very disturbing noises coming from Odsal/Dewsbury, again. Players being offered to other clubs left, right and centre. Staff leaving. Today it's Carvell. Chalmers MIA Who'd be a Bradford supporter?

I fear he is going go be disappointed on two counts.

Except they're not, are they? Newcastle have consistently run U16 and U19 teams. They have two players in the latest England U19 squad. Oldham haven't turned anything other than a first team out since 2012-13.

Should be compulsory.

I fancy Wigan.

I don't usually count empty seats but that is simply dreadful.

Big match referee Ben Thaler appointed to oversee proceedings.