Anybody watch the Storm v Bulldogs game this morning on MSK? Widdop had a superb game in my eyes and in my view will be Englands long term number 1. Although i have a sneaky feeling that McNamara will give Halley a go against France after he ditched us lot.

He wouldn't drag Widdop half way round the planet for a game against France though, would he?

He isn't ready even if he did play well, shameful thing for England is there is so little choice in some positions that players that aren't ready will automatically be picked just because they are young.

=#8000FFHe's dragged Ellis & Burgess round the world to play against France.

Really can't see him picking Halley.

Hasn't Widdop decised to play for Aus?

I think that Eastmond and Tomkins demonstrated in the 4 Nations that giving youngsters a chance is no bad thing... if Widdop is good enough then he should be our number 1

I hope that Widdop does develop into a world class fullback (and chooses so play for England of course) – fullback is probably the most crucial position in test rugby these days, with the kicking game of the top players and the discipline and strength of the defence, a good kick return is vital to getting on to the front foot at the start of each set. This is something that England have been missing for a long time... both Wellens and Briscoe are good club fullbacks but they lack the pace and/or power needed for the international level

I think he said he hasn't decided yet and of course the Aussie commentators said they would take him. Australia are spoilt for chocie at fullback so Widdop would probably never play their for them anyway, Duggan and Coote lookto be the future Australia fullbacks, so i'd like to think Widdop chooses England.

Also Widdop needs to play a few more games yet. Eastmond and Tomkins at least played a few last year and in the play offs. I think Widdop has played 2. So hopefully he gets back into the storm team a few more times, he has plenty to learn, as all young players do, and can learn that under Slater.

When was the squad announced?

I wouldn't want him, he is arrogant and after watching the Wales V England game last year he turned round and said he would have been the best player on the pitch in that game (with the likes of Burgess & co playing)

Billy Slater is the most arrogant player I have seen... but I would have him in the England fullback shirt in a flash if he was eligible

1st june i think

So =#BF00FFGaslight is talking bolloxs as usual. Thanks mate.

While the squad hasn't been announced - requests have been made (and agreed) for Ellis and Burgess to be freed up to fly over so I think it's dead set they will be in

I believe Wests want to see a copy of the insurance for Ellis before they agree to his release. Which the RFL have yet to provide for their viewing.

For a game against France? Ellis and Burgess are certain to play in a major international so why play them in a mid season jamboree? Bloody ridiculous if you ask me.

I think it is a case of the RFL laying down the rules as they have the right to bring any player they want & the ignorant Australian clubs thinking they are above the law. As for insurance it has nothing to do with their clubs (as far as I know) it is a matter between player & RFL. I personaly think it would be a waste of money as England should not need them but the point has to be made that they are England players & as such are available for all England duties (even training camps if the RFL so decide)

Imagine being Sam Burgess or Gareth Ellis and being told you've got to sit on a plane for 24 hours just to play France.

Ridiculous IMO. Both are clearly bankers for the starting 13, why bring them back?

They are English players therfore should play, if they can't except that then dont play for England. But as I have already said I think it is more about setting the ground rules with the whinging Aussie clubs.

So you want the players to be uneccisarily disrupted for an easy game just to spite 2 Aussie clubs?

Well, there's a couple of points I think

Firstly, the England side don't play many games together so any opportunity to build a bit of continuity must we welcomed by the coach... if Ellis and Burgess are bankers in the side then it can't harm them to get used to playing with the halves/hookers

Secondly, if we are serious about building the international game, then every test needs to be taken seriously - it doesn't send much of a signal of intent if we can't be bothered to bring the stars back to play

and... I am sure that Ellis and Burgess will add a few spectators for this game - both in Leigh and on TV

Disrupting who? they are English players it is their duty to play (& their wish I think). It is not spite, the Rhabbitoes have already complained about releasing Burgess & they have to realise that the international game is paramount. The club is not a consideration they knew he was an international when they signed him. & as someone else has pointed out the International game cannot be undermined by not playing the strongest side no matter who the opposition is.

Well, sorry, but i don't see the point in dragging 2 players from the other side of the world to play in a nothing game. If i was either of them i would be pi$$ed off at being called up and i would wager that neither of them really want to be either.

Internationals are the highest form of our game no matter who the opposition they are not nothing games. If people belive that they are not important then there is little hope that our great game will last much longer even in the small geographic area we are stuck in. Just in case you had not noticed 41,000 turned out today to see the Union side play a scratch side. I bet not one player there was pi££ed off playing.

I'll bet not one of the players will of been dragged from the other side of the planet. They will arrive, play severely jetlagged head back to Oz where they will once again be severely jetlagged for the game the week after.