arcticchris

I think it is more likely to be a choice between Welsby and Sneyd for the starting team. Welsby is surely a certainty for the 17 and no need to go with 2 hookers as Radley has played enough there for the Roosters to adequately spell Ackers mid game.

They can have him and we will keep Dom Young

No idea. As a Wigan fan Cooper would not make my Wigan first choice 17 let alone the England WC squad. We also have several wingers better than Hall now in Marshall, Burgess, Handley, Matty Ashton and likely a couple more. Young has been excellent and this tournament could see him confirm himself as truly elite. Williams proving the doubters wrong as Wane gets the best out of him.

Opening weekend should see 2 great games on day 1 with England upholding the hosts honour against a very talented but untested as a unit Samoan side followed by Australia vs Fiji in a game full of flair and big hits.

Most likely waiting on finalisation of Aus/NZ squads to know who is still available

Fielden was immense that day. As good as any front row single game performance as I can ever think of.

They may not be starters but they would easily make an extended squad for the Redcliffe Dolphins next year.

Looking at your last point that feels understandable but realistically the Bradford WCC loss should have taken some shine off the previous years NRL title as they didn’t just lose they were annihilated. The Bradford Bulls team of that era was so dominant against the Aussies that they won all 3 clashes against the reigning Aussie premiers by more than a 2 score margin. To not care about this match and losing it shows off a very insular mindset.

It would be great if there was a four nations against Tonga/Samoa/Fiji with double headers in big stadiums and a final at Old Trafford.

England-Samoa is set to be an absolute stormer of an opening game. We can’t afford to start the tournament slowly otherwise we will get beaten.

Taking a team playing rugby as interesting as watching paint dry under Adrian Lam last year into the top tryscorers this year winning the Challenge Cup and 2nd in the regular season is a very decent year. Rowley and Watson would both also have been worthy winners of the award.

As a Wigan fan who has lived in Leeds all my life this is basically the worst possible final. Can they please both lose!

They have signed a couple of young halves from Penrith in Katoa and Sean O’Sullivan who if they develop can be a long term top line pairing. Half the starting Storm pack are going to line up for the Dolphins but the outside backs lack any true excitement.

Maybe the style of play here will rejuvenate him as, based on his early career form, there is a quality outside back in there but little to show for the last 3 years or so.

Fantastic story and seems like towns like this are the bedrock of rugby league as a sport rooted in its community.