That was The Courier Mail the other day wasn't it. Its interesting reading that SMH article. Schofield is such an old fogey its untrue.

Thats it.

England has better Forwards than the ones in the NRL, the tide is turning, with Ryan Hall and Sam Tomkins its only a matter of time before Australia fears England and what they could do to the Kangaroo side.

I'm glad you've finally admitted it.

I've spent time in Australia and that's possibly the most ironic thing I've ever heard (coming from and australian)

Don't forget the greatest skipper of all time (Sir Kev) ripping it up at international level against Australia by leading England from the front, from the back and from halfback.

Only 23 tackles from James Graham this week.

I thought Graham looked pretty average today. Kas was a beast for us though but it just shows you stats mean jack because Graham's are more impressive.

Tolman's stats were the most impressive among the Canterbury forwards.



I'll be keeping an eye out on Ellis and Heighington's comparative stats for the Tigers. In past seasons they bear a remarkable resemblance, yet Ellis is perceived as ripping up the NRL big-style week in week out and Heighington is crap according to the very same perceptions

I have to say that whenever I've watched Wests Tigers games Ellis has never especially stood out for me so I'm continually surprised that he's won the club player of the year award each year he's been there. Then again I've not watched many Tigers games in previous seasons. Plan to see as many as are on Premier Sports this season so should have a better idea.



Burgess on the other hand looked the standout forward if not player on the field in the bunnies opening game of the season so can't understand the criticism of him by the likes of Rancid as disappointing...

The Wests Tigers player of the year award is a vote by the players. It has more to do with fitting in among a group and being liked as one of the lads as opposed to some form of matchday performance-related scientific analysis of who is the best and most crucial player in the team. I daresay when it comes to a player vote, Aussies and Kiwis may find it a more comfortable compromise voting for the lone Pom in the squad. Like you, I remain underwhelmed by Ellis when I've seen him play for the Tigers and even more so at international level. Over the past couple of seasons he has been selected for England on the basis of his reputation rather than his performances which have been ordinary.





I think Rancid's critique of Burgess is based more on the fact that Burgess has spent extensive periods not playing due to being afflicted with long-term injuries, therefore his reputation as a great player in the NRL is unjustified. I'd agree with that assessment. When he's actually fit and playing however, his performances have been very good and standout on occasions.

Your position on Ellis as player of the year is as cringeworthy as those who fawn over players. With Ellis in the side, Wests look like they have a decnt pack - without him they don't. Its been that way since he joined. He is far and away their most important forward (excluding hooker). Have a look at Wests fans views of him on their forums if you disagree.



The consensus view about Graham (who was restricted by a cut yesterday) is that he's already looking the goods.



If anybody, its Burgess who has to do more. Injuries have been the main cause, but playing for Souths doesn't help either. Like the rest of the team its moments of skill surrounded by dross. Hopefully with Sandow out of the way they might start playing with some sort of structure.

In fixtures where Ellis plays, Wests Tigers win percentage is 56.1% (based on 37 wins and 29 losses). When he doesn't play their win percentage is 61.5% (based on 8 wins and 5 losses). The opinion of adulatory Tigers supporters on an internet forum are about as valid as adulatory Rhinos supporters opinion on the greatness of Ryan Bailey on their internet forum.





I fully expect Graham to be the best and most effective Pom playing out there. He is currently England's best player by a long way after all.





Agree with all that.