usain bolt

But surely there's a new batch coming through on their own merits. You list 5 or 6 world class in their positions. Surely out of a 34 man ish squad there's still 5 or 6 world class to choose from. If not then there's a problem somewhere along the line that there's none being produced. Replacing your Sam Burgess's is always a problem, unique individuals that come along few and far between, but hopefully the next world class players aren't too far away.

Is that a problem of super league, not producing the super stars of yester year or just that the above squad that I've chosen has missed the presumed super stars out. I really can't think of too many super stars missing, so there must be a shortage overall maybe.

Nope, no reason, just tried to pick a balanced squad covering all positions.

Haven't ruled anyone out, I did say there's probably a few glaring omissions, Ratchford probably will make the world cup squad for his utility value although whether he's as good as the above selected is there for deliberation. He'd probably jump ahead of his team mate Matty Ashton.

I hope his form does warrant it, he's been class in his time, and didn't realise was only 29. Shows how long he's been around, this last couple of seasons due to injury have probably caught up with him a little, but agree on his day is worthy of selection.

To be fair, I think Watkins could very well make the 2021 world cup squad. I hope he hits the ground running, and proves his worth because he can be class on his day. He was very unlucky when ankle tapped by Josh Dugan in the last final, agonising. Regarding Hardaker, I think with him able to cover 1-5 positions, and his experience I think he'll also have a very good chance of making the squad. Maybe not at centre to start, but as cover for all outside back positions.

Just a bit of fun now the season has finished, Oloughlin and Graham have retired and a few new faces have come to the fore. Basically 34 players, 2 teams for our chance to see the depth available and obviously once the 2021 season starts 1 or 2 others may also put a hand up. Obviously a few players can cover a few positions, giving further depth and versatility. Fullbacks Sam Tomkins, Jake Connor, Matty Ashton Wingers Tommy Makinson, Paddy Handley, Dom Manfredi, Tom Johnstone Centres Mark Percival, Herbie Farnworth, Oliver Gildart, Zak Hardaker, Harry Newman Halves Jonny

When are the fixtures announced for the 2021 season?

I think if travel restrictions are still in place, especially the tier 3 affect, then club houses won't be open as we knew it. Table service and substantial meals wouldn't be practical after a match. There's still talk of, turning up in kit, no sharing lifts to games, no showering or changing rooms etc etc, so will local fixtures boost the clubs financially, I think not, only good thing is it's closer for everyone for an actual chance of playing. The logistics of it all are a nightmare to put in place, just to get a fixture between 2 willing teams. Also if teams aren't evenly matched, ie simil

At least the nrl have kept scrums for now, and the policing of them maybe a bit stricter with the call 'break' being called before an actual break up of the scrum is allowed. Will super league keep the scrums after this season without them, do people really want them back or not.

2 point drop goal from 40+ metres out Retaining scrums but not for ball in touch 6 again restart instead of penalty Handover of ball for incorrect ptb Just a few of the new rule changes for the nrl 2021 season ahead

https://www.nrl.com/news/2020/12/11/nrl-announces-rule-changes-to-make-game-more-entertaining/?utm_source=NRLFBContent&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=NetworkContent&fbclid=IwAR3yYfPtb9fv4QpMLU965_7hkZl9qdWpFWrf2NtdO-5jAo-m8Lq7MaqQyV8 Good ideas or not? Would super league also benefit from these changes or leave the rules as they are for stability?

You didn't say 'just in case', I did, but you said 'may get the ball', which in my eyes is the same. There's also a difference in 'covering them' to actually flattening them which is what leuluai did, off the ball, which if your taking a player out with no ball, then its a penalty. Whether it's on the line or not. Otherwise all attacking players 'may' just get the ball so could warrant being taken out whether it be first man, second man or any attacking player in the attacking line, just in case he may get the ball within the 10.

There's covering them as a defender, and there's flattening them just in case. It doesn't happen all the time, and when it does it's usually a penalty. There's fronting someone up, usually who's ran through as a dummy runner, and there's shooting out the line and dropping a player, just in case, as in this instance.

When he knows he can't reach, like when Coote had a similar situation but turned it down. Sometimes the player needs to take a responsibility, can I reach, at least put it dead or not. Not just go through with it. I'm sure Hardaker must have known he could reach, having practiced many times, but failed either with technique or pressure, that he didn't strike the ball accordingly. If he nails it he's the hero, he didn't, but hindsight is a wonderful thing. The fact he didn't make dead with the goal was a killer, but the chance was there, and he must have been confident beforehand otherwise a ki