I'd just like to be able to watch the Fiji game. The RFL being the RFL, of course they don't make that easy.

I thought it was on the ourleague app?

Correct, it is.

Anyone watching, then?

Ok first half, rubbish second, playing in a monsoon probably didn't help

England 50 Fiji 0

Watkins/Young combo looked good

Some nice tries - Ackers was great, Williams played pretty well and Young looks a threat. Sneyd's kicking will be useful.



I feel Wane should be brave and play Welsby at fullback over Tomkins. It won't happen though.

I watched the game and debated next weeks side in my mind and Welsby plays fullback and that leaves two spots in the halves between Williams, Sneyd and Tomkins. A lot would probably depend on the weather funnily enough. I’d find it tough to leave Sneyd out if it’s meant to lash it down. If it’s dry conditions I’d probably edge towards Tomkins and Williams at 6 and 7.



I’m with you though, it’ll be Tomkins, Welsby and Williams at 1,6 and 7.

Enjoyed the game and great to get a 0.



Couple of observations I thought Young was outstanding in general play but his finishing was poor. Should have got a hat trick comfortably.



Akers was great, injected real pace into the game.



I do t think you can drop Sneyd off the back of that performance. Man of the match in my opinion.



Thought Wardle looked sharp when he came on too which bodes well for the future.



Farnworth looked rusty but to be expected.



Huge game next week but after that we should go in with confidence despite what the bookies are saying.



Not sure what Hall brings to the table at this level anymore, think Marshy very unlucky to miss out on the squad.

I disagree. I prefer Welsby at 6, he’s more dangerous as he gets his hands on the ball more. I’d be happy with the 1,6 and 7 you mention although Sneyd would be worth a shout too, his goal kicking alone is exceptional without even mentioning his all round kicking game.

Not sure he could get his hands on it more than the first half last night. Maybe it was a pointer to him moving to 6 because he seemed to be in the line, as much as he was chiming in from out the back. I just like that added pace he’ll bring from fullback and Tomkins in the halves probably offers a bit more in terms of control and experience.



All good problems to have though. I think last night will have just given people a bit more confidence that we can do pretty well in the Tournament. We’ve got Tomkins, Makinson, Bateman, Oledzki, Knowles and Lees to try and fit in, it was so pleasing to see the players who turned out make cases not to be dropped.

Agree they are good problems to have and a real confidence booster. The other option (although unlikely) is that I can see Welsby at centre if he sticks with Williams/Sneyd as a partnership. I’m not sure Williams and Welsby would work as a pairing as they are similar type of players. Sneyd complements either but I can’t see Williams or Tomkins not playing so if he wants to fit Sneyd and Welsby in then that’s what he may do.

Joe Burgess should be in there before Hall…and Marsh unlucky to miss out too.



Williams, Welsby, and Ackers best players on the night comfortably.

Looked way off the required standard last night Hall. He’s always been top heavy and not the quickest winger but he looks to have lost another yard and other than using him as a battering ram from our end, I’m not sure what he’ll add. I was pretty surprised how poor he looked tbh because I didn’t have an issue with him being in the squad but on that evidence, I think you could make a case that Burgess, Marshall and Davies at a minimum, should’ve been ahead of him.

Wardle looked like he didn’t have a clue what was going on. He won’t play for England again.



As for Marshall, he’s 5 foot 4 and ten stone wet. He would get mullered af international level which is why, thankfully, he is no where near the England team and probably tenth choice for the wing spot

What I find staggering is that you genuinely seem to have no concept of how sad and needy you come across.

I bet your daughters are proud of you!

So what do we think of the 19 man squad for Saturday?



I’m presuming Ackers is injured but I’m surprised he’s dropped Oledzki and Batchelor. Of course I’m biased but Batchelor is coming off the back of an outstanding season.

Seriously, no one would breed with this half wit. He's too far gone to have got on Jeremy Kyle ffs

Agreed. Bathecolor has been excellent and should be in ahead of McMeeken. I do think KPP offers something different but may be found wanting at this level atm

Ackers missing is a real shame. Picking Mcmeeken over Batchelor is hardly a game changer. Cooper's stats are very strong so again I'm not sure him playing instead of Oledzki matters too much.



If Wane goes Tomkins, Welsby, Williams I think its a big gamble. Personally I think Sneyd needs to play with his kicking game.

I agree about Sneyd especially if its poor conditions too. His goal kicking is also a huge bonus. I can't see him not playing Tomkins or Williams so where does that leave Welsby? I can't see Welsby not in a 17.

Wane did mention a couple of niggles, so presumably Oledzki would be one. I’d have had both Ackers and Batchelor in the 17 but maybe one or both is in the same boat. It’s a long tournament either way and you can guarantee that the side which plays on Saturday will change throughout and players will get opportunities to make themselves a certainty.

The two glaring ones everyone has mentioned

Micky mac instead of Ackers is obsurd..

Bachelor is way ahead of some of those other guys so maybe a niggle for him