At what point did I "moan"? I merely pointed out a fact.

I Guess you don't rate Wane much then ?



But I agree that McBannana is the worst England coach we have had for many a year !

Widdop is more of a running stand off (bloody 5/8th

) Cronk and Smith run the show and set up the plays, Widdop doesn't really do any of the kicking or organising. Of the 2 halfs so far if either deserves dropping its Chase based on the 2 games so far but, I fail to see how changing the HB partnership at this change would be beneficial. Continuity is important.



I would agree regarding the debate over having a full time coach. No coach worth his salt is going to give his club job for (what is essentially) an admin job with a few games at the end of the year.

Argh! The man's an idiot! Widdop to 6, 4 props => We'd get beat but maybe have a chance of making it respectable. I think it could be 30 or 40+ on Saturday now. The truly infuriating thing about it is even that wouldnt make the RFL admit their mistake and get shot of McNamara!

Five-eighth is an alternative name for stand off or number 6

, Widdop showed his class when he came onto the pitch in both the games against Wales and France he is heads and shoulders above Sinfield in terms of being a five eight and therefore should be played there. Just noticed your a Leeds fan boy, I'm not knocking Sinfield he is a decent loose forward but an average stand off.

It will be similar to the DW game in 2009. They'll give us a pasting first half and then relax allowing us to score some points and make it look respectable.



I hope it'll be that anyway because if they open up on a pitch like that then it could be Melbourne 2008 or Sydney 2001 all over again.

To be honest I think stand off is probbly Sinfield's best position. He's a little under-sized in the back row and doesn't carry it up enough, especially at international level. He's not close to being the best 6 in the England squad though (probably fourth behind Chase, Widdop and Tomkins) so why he keeps getting the starting berth I'll never know. He hardly set the world alight against France or Wales. McBanana is weakening the bench by only picking three forwards, especially with two being back rowers. If he is to persist that way then have either one of Wilkin or JJB on there and rotate Sinfield into the back row if we're spelling forwards. We have to have four props!

Australia are going to win by 30 plus and that the stadium will be half full are facts? I'm glad you're not my lawyer.

On a positive after all the poor selection choices note I'm fully behind what ever team plays and pleased England are back in a stadium fitting for our sport.

I know what 5/8 means, I fust find it funny when English RL fans use Aussie RL terms. Widdop has played 1 season at stand off, he's played less games than Sinfield in that position (Sinfield has won 2 GFs playing at stand off). I don't necessarely think Sinfield should be first choice, but he's not the worst choice either. Nobody else in the squad can organise and kick as well as he can and I can see why the coach thinks he should be in the side to compliment Chase, and Widdop's running skills.

think it will be far closer than many people are predicting

My brother was on a training course in Loughborough this week and coincidentally staying in the same hotel as the England squad.



As he seemed to be the only person in the hotel who knew who they were he got quite a bit of time chatting to them.



He said Darryl Powell and Sam Tomkins were quietly confident about Saturday's game but the overall impression he got was that they were all relaxed and ready to give it their best shot.



I'm off down to the game, more in hope than expectation but if we keep it competitive for 60 mins I'll be happy.



My prediction; 6 points in it at 50 mins then the Aussies to run in a few more tries and win by 18-22 points.