With the 24 man squad announcement for the Four Nations coming up, I thought we'd see what team we put together as a board. I'll be putting on different positions every so often with a shortlist to pick from. The squad will have 2 Full Backs, 3 Wingers, 3 Centres, 3 Halves, 2 Hookers, 6 props and 5 back rowers. If any players you'd like to pick aren't on the shortlist than please say.

For today we will do hookers, you have two votes on the poll and please indicate your order of playing preference in a post. In the case of positions on the bench, starting position will be allocated on preference.

1. James Roby
2. Daryl Clark

Roby then McIlorum

I think Clarke is a tremendous player, but a combination of Roby and McIlorum is ideal. I would start with McIlorum to get the benefit of his aggression in the early exchanges and then bring Roby on after 20 for the rest of the game, perhaps then spelling McIlorum at 13. But in order of preference, it's:

1. Roby
2. McIlorum

Roby
McIllorum

It sounds a plausible plan, but part of me has this feeling that we've all been convinced (worn down) that this is the way forward by the Wigan contingent, constantly banging his drum for the past 8 years.
McI would potentially lead the line well early on, but that by itself is not worth a spot, so it depends on the personalities of the other middle players we're taking as to whether he's necessary there.

I've gone for Lunt, as I think he's probably the nearest thing we've got to Robes as an all round hooker - smart, creative, sharp at the PTB, etc.

I fully expect the McIlorum/Roby thing to be trialled, though, and we'll be proved right or wrong either way.

The thing about McIlorum is that, while I don't really think he's a particularly special [ihooker[/i, he's a very, very good [iforward[/i (if that makes sense). His physicality can be really influential - he seems to rile up the players around him and put opponents off their game. Just the sort of player you want in a big test match.

MM is a very different player to Robes, thats why i picked him. He is an all or nothing player though, great or dire

And I do agree. I've posted elsewhere that in the above selection, I'd expect to see the pair on for the majority of the game which would give us an extra durability and stamina in defence.

Its good and important o be able to give the oppo a bash, but when its pretty much what you're relying on, will that wash against the Aussies?

We'll not know until we try. McIlorum is a very important player to a successful team, so in that sense he does deserve a crack of the whip, but Hooker's a strong position for us and his selection will mean leaving very good players out.

There's just part of me wondering whether its MM's performances that have people convinced, or the constant testimony of all that are Wigan????

Roby
Clark

McIlorum is our best player IMO (well joint with O'Loughlin but you get my drift). He must be a good player if he stands out in a side that has won so much and he does that. No player is more deserving of the tag 'big game player' then this guy.

MM to start with Roby to add huge impact from the bench. It's an ideal combo IMO.

Roby
Clark

McIlorum had his chance at the World Cup and he was crap.

Roby and Lunt for me.

Roby and Clark.

Roby gets the starting spot. McIlorum and Clark were tied on the poll so it goes to comments where McIllorum prevails.