Alan Robertson

Unfortunately, I completely agree. I actually couldn't believe how slow Dodd looked (especially as he played less than 20 minutes).

I honestly think he'll go with Wighton and Gray at 1 and 6 (or at '6 and 1')

I guess, the list of Souths halves ahead of Dodd (in Bennett's pecking order) *could* include Wighton too. So, potentially: Walker, Humphreys, Sullivan, Mitchell, Gray, (Wighton). In many ways, the choice of Sullivan is the most disappointing/confusing if it's looked at from Dodd's perspective.

I always like to take media-selected quotes with a pinch of salt but King does seem to be hedging his bets. Not what Wane will be looking for, I believe. My prediction is that King will end his career with zero England caps.

https://www.nrl.com/news/2025/04/19/kings-blessing-kangaroos-great-backs-grandsons-england-bid/ He's a starting front rower for the NRL's 'form team'. Also, as most people on here already know, he was born (and initially raised) in England.

It's an interesting one because the starting hooker, Mamouzelos, has played virtually every minute of every game so far this season. Edit: It therefore seems unlikely that Dodd will share the hooking role. Furthermore, neither Mamouzelos nor Dodd has enough size to rotate into another position in the pack. I suppose, Dodd could be on the bench to cover an injury to a back. ie. Mitchell would move from 6 to 1, 3 or 4...

Dodd has been listed at '14'. Mitchell at 6, Walker returns and moves to 7.

I just Googled him. 197 cm according to London's website. So, yeah, 6ft 5.5 in.

The Roosters half back, Hugo Savala, is listed as being 194 cm (about 6 ft 4.5 in). Judging him next to Tupou and Young, he doesn't look much shorter than them so 194 cm seems accurate. I've seen a few tall 6s over the years, particularly when one or two of the taller forwards have played in the halves, but don't remember previously seeing a 'career 7' of this height. Can anyone remember any 'close rivals'?

Fair enough, I missed that info. Cheers

Dodd appears to have missed out again, despite the injuries to both of last week's starting halves. This week, Mitchell's listed to start at 6. Sullivan at 7. Based on these selections, I'm going to speculate that Dodd won't even be 'next in line' (Wighton being my guess for the 'next halves slot'.) https://www.nrl.com/draw/nrl-premiership/2025/round-6/rabbitohs-v-cowboys/

What about the possibility of playing one of the back rowers as a smaller/mobile front rower? Unlike some past England/GB players who have started international matches in each position - Morley/Peacock/Platt/Joynt/Burgess (the list goes on) - I can't think of a current prospective England back rower who could reasonably start a test match at prop. Slightly different, I feel, as part of an interchange/rotation. (Nsemba's got the size but would be 'wasted' in the middle).

Jasmine Strange is again expressing a desire to play for England: https://www.nrl.com/news/2025/04/03/mother-country-strange-keen-to-represent-english-heritage/ According to the article, 24 NRLW players have English heritage (including those born in England). Some of that pool (it doesn't say the number) have already played for another country though.

I'd be completely fine with Walker playing for England - in terms of his ability and due to the fact that he currently qualifies. I'd be stunned if it happened though.

Very good point mate!