I think although he is a good player that without the injuries Hodgson would not have made the squad...



I think your point about not having an out-and-out second hooker on the bench is likely why Hodgson has been selected. This season he has played the 80 in most games - He has a good engine and is quite big for a hooker which allows him to be alternated with the back row, which he has done to quite good effect. This means you are kind of getting a bit of utility from your bench spot. It also kind of links with your comment about a lack of depth in the second row as well.

Do we know which broadcasters are covering the tournament?

Looking at who is missing from the Aus squad, i'd say the Disney Channel.

It's an interesting squad.



Would Widdop and Smith play alongside each other?



There seem to be a lot of fullbacks in that squad. Were as other positions seem a bit light.

There's a lot of backs in that squad that can play in more than one position which could well prove vital. I actually think the squad looks quite balanced.

BBC.

Premier Sports.



[urlhttp://www.rugbyleagueplanet.com/rugby-league-four-tri-nations[/url

Not seen much of him obviously.



He has been as good as any this season, but does not play for atop 4 side. He can play hooker as well as back row and often plays the full 80 minutes. Ideal for the bench at least.

England v Australia kicks off 5am Sunday Morning

waste my sunday morning sleep in on england getting thrashed?



No thanks. Sleep in, confirm they've been beaten on BBC sport and save myself 2 hours.

Samoan squad should give England a good game. L Ah Mau (St George Illawarra), D Fa'alogo (Newcastle), P Godinet (Wakefield), T Lafai (Canterbury Bulldogs), J Leilua (Newcastle), I Liu (Sydney Roosters), D Lui (Manly), P Manumalealii (Cronulla), M Masoe (St Helens), S Matagi, P Mata'utia (St George Illawarra), R Maitua (Canterbury Bulldogs), T Moga (North Queensland Cowboys), D Peyroux, F Pritchard (Canterbury Bulldogs), B Roberts (Melbourne), T Simona (Wests Tigers), M Sio, K Stanley (St George Illawarra), S Sue (Wests Tigers), S Tagataese (Cronulla), D Vidot (Brisbane), A Winterstein (North Queensland Cowboys).

Cracking player Hodgson and it's good to see him getting his chance. Think Lunt has fell back down the pecking order and could do with a change of club or coach. Houghton initially reminded me a bit of Martin Dermott in his younger days but hasn't really kicked on. Again it might be a coaching/club thing but Hodgson for me is the better fit.

Samoa is a danger game for England, you will have a short preparation of 10 days flying one side of the world to the other and playing a big test match against a massive team.