Sun 22 Oct: International: England v Tonga (at Totally Wicked Stadium, St Helens) KO 2.30pm

[dkw]

3 minutes ago, Dave T said:

Newman has been fine, but he hasn't overtaken a far better player because he was injured. 

Fair, Newman could be the only one looking over his shoulder, but no one else. I dont think he's done badly though, just bit been involved enough.

That's a hell of a finish.

Edited October 22, 2023 by dkw

[Dave T]

1 minute ago, bobbruce said:

I don’t think either Newman or King have made themselves undroppable. I would be very worried if I was Williams I don’t see how he gets back in. 

If Lewis has a great 2nd test then he's earned it for the 3rd, but I would just say I don't think our halves have linked too well overall. But agreed, Lewis has been a breath of fresh air. 

[Rovers13]

Sliding defence was poor their. 

[EagleEyePie]

1 minute ago, bobbruce said:

I don’t think either Newman or King have made themselves undroppable. I would be very worried if I was Williams I don’t see how he gets back in. 

Lewis has been bumped off tackles quite easily at times. Tonga haven't been able to take advantage but Williams is one of the best defenders you could want so I'm fairly sure he'll replace Lewis. They are both players who play best when they run the ball but Williams is ahead of Lewis in terms of ability.

[Dunbar]

Should have finished them off by now.

I'm not unhappy with a tight finish as long as we bloody win!

[Futtocks]

Nice flying touchdown from Koula!

[DavidM]

Good finish 

[dkw]

Daft to go for a steal then.

[Dave T]

Just now, EagleEyePie said:

Lewis has been bumped off tackles quite easily at times. Tonga haven't been able to take advantage but Williams is one of the best defenders you could want so I'm fairly sure he'll replace Lewis. They are both players who play best when they run the ball but Williams is ahead of Lewis in terms of ability.

Lewis has given two stealing penalties and been bumped off - he does need to improve defensively. He could be targeted more next week. 

[bobbruce]

England need to learn to play right to the end this happens far too often. 

[DavidM]

We had chances to nail these by now 

[Rovers13]

We’re gonna lose this too many silly give aways. 

[Old Frightful]

Did he mention the Fat Controller then?

[Johnny Ringo]

Welsby often misses the 1 on 1 tackles

[Rovers13]

Needed that lol

[Dave T]

1 minute ago, bobbruce said:

England need to learn to play right to the end this happens far too often. 

I do think it's a weakness of our halves, our attack has been rusty. But it's the first test so hopefully we'll improve. 

Blinding test match. 

[Dunbar]

A wonderful tough test match and one of three so loads to look forward to.

Well done England and congrats to both teams for a great game.

[Futtocks]

Mikey "the King of Hull" Lewis gets PotM.

(sorry, OF)

[Bedford Roughyed]

We need more International RL.  

[bratman]

Tough match, made hard work of it in the end. Lewis thoroughly deserved MOM

Edited October 22, 2023 by bratman

[tjhrads93]

Just now, Bedford Roughyed said:

We need more International RL.  

It’s brilliant isn’t it

[dkw]

Really enjoyable game, great start to a series and looming forward to the rest of the games.

Think we need some extra size on the bench if possible. 

[Futtocks]

A nice tribute to Norman Collier in the post-match interview with TJ.

[Tre Cool]

Great game. Get your tickets for Huddersfield now while there's 18000 left!

[Dave T]

1 minute ago, Dunbar said:

A wonderful tough test match and one of three so loads to look forward to.

Well done England and congrats to both teams for a great game.

It was probably the perfect First Test for the series.