Brough mom again on sunday

On recent form I'd rather see Brough in the halves, however McNamara doesnt pick on form but on reputation

I nearly fell off the sofa last night when Stevo admitted Sinfield hadn't been playing well lately. At last he's starting to see sense.

The only real relevant time to debate who is picked for England will be at the back end of the season, patches of good/poor form at the moment will count for little unless maintained.

Looking at the dynamic between the potential backs England will have, a leading, organizing player at 6 might not be such a bad thing, despite what you arguably sacrifice in relation to attacking flair.

Sinfield has performed very well at the top level of Rugby League in this country playing five eighth on a number of occasions. He undoubtedly has the required skill set to play in that position at a high standard. His leadership and organizational qualities aren't dislike those possessed by Darren Lockyer, something which became increasingly impressive towards the back end of his career. The key difference being that Lockyer also had every other attribute that meant he was one of the best players ever to play the game.

The reason for my comparison was that if you look back over some of the later rep games of Lockyer's career, he may not have done anything specifically brilliant in attack, but his presence and direction played a pivotal part in winning the game for his team, whether it be QLD or Aus.

I think in the International game that factor is important and out of Sinfield and Brough/Widdop/Whoever, the former is the one who can assume that role best.

If you have a flair-type 7 combining with Roby/Houghton/Lunt and Tomkins joining the line from the back, you don't necessarily need a 6 who is going to beat players and throw 30 yard cut out passes, but you do need someone who can authoritatively organize the play and allow the world class full back and promising three quarters we have to play their game.

I don't see any reason why Brough/Widdop/Chase couldn't fit in at 7 alongside.

Some sense at last

Hardly.

I hope Sinfield does perform the role of skipper, stand-off, kicker, organiser-in-chief, and jack of all trades for England in the World Cup this year.

It'll be a fitting end to his international career when he finally proves he really is a worthy Golden Boot recipient and current best player in the world.

They were claiming he was a MOS contender last weekend in the Wigan/Leeds game! When I was watching it back I nearly died of shock!

Amusingly right after pointing out that he's in poor form (if you're on about the sky commentators).

Insane.

I actually rate Sinfield and feel he should be in the England team, his record speaks for itself, but how McGuire gets in ahead of Brough i will never know!
Brough and Sinfield in the World Cup for me!

I think Danny McGuire is quite underrated. He seems like one of the few half back s in our league who play with his head up and makes decisions based on what he sees in order to create something, rather than running robotic moves and hoping something opens up,which is where most of the league seem to be at.

I've also recently enjoyed seeing him try and get into a fight in every match I've watched, despite being one of the least physically intimitating players on the pitch.

From what I've seen & read the form half-back this season has been Myler

It's a sad fact when playing England Cooper Cronk's opposite number might be Myler, when it comes to talent and ability the two are oceans apart.

Yep, he add's something in this respect, he seems to love a scrap this year! The new Bailey?

No Brough for England then. Confirmed by the man himself.

Damn, I missed the interview. Is it a case of him not putting himself up for selection, or SM just not picking him?

Thrown his toys out?

I doubt he was being serious. If he does stand by his word, no wonder quite a lot of people see him as a thick c**t.

would you not be a bit peed off? quality player who is constantly being over looked? he's probably had that many anti climax he's just thought stuff ya. Not sure what payments what the players get for internationals but i reckon that will change his mind.

Not 100% that wasn't a tongue in cheek answer. He said something else straight away afterwards but the microphone was taken away. Maybe it was just a reaction to him been asked about England constantly. I really hope that it is the case as has proved onight he is the best half back we have got.

i noticed that, but i think he thought twice about what he was going to say.

That's exactly how it came across to me tbh; that he was sick of constantly being asked about it and was being more than a little tongue in cheek.

Hopefully. He proved yet again tonight that he's a better half than Sinfield. I don't see why they can't just play them both together if Sinfield HAS to play.

Brough picks Scotland... I suppose we can close this thread.

Both Brough in the halves or Hooker Sinfield at 13.