You'd be saying that no matter who was picked though wouldnt you...

Maybe its a nice reflection of how many English payers the Giants have in their squad...maybe thats why there are none from Rovers...

You mean like in 2008



I guarantee that squad will do better than the WC.

At least there seems to be some attempt to build a team ethic rather than having all out war between leeds and Saints players.

This squad isn't what I would have picked - I'd have added an extra specialist halfback, probably Deacon going by form and experience, and would have had Gleeson in for Clubb, again going on form and that I think Gleeson is a better player than Clubb. (I still think that Atkins and Shenton will play ahead of Clubb, anyway).

However, as much as I think he's a naff coach, McNamara will know the lot of them better than I do, and me giving him stick now will do no good at all. We may not agree with his appointment, or some of his selections, but moaning will not benefit us, so we should all go and put our support 100% behind the boys.


And I think Hudds should be congratulated for as well as having a recent 'resurgence', they've had a core of English players involved in it, too.

i for one think mcnamara should be congratulated for having the guts to pick players in FORM not on reputation the only player i wouldnt have picked is clubb i agree gleeson should have gone on the tour instead, this is a young squad in the backs building for the future i would suggest, the only other players missing are the injured or like bridge.

Gleeson should be there IMO.
Injuries havn't done us any favours like, is Rob Burrow injured or somethng or can't be selected?
I'd have either him or deacon (kicking game) there.
Also was saying Lee smith should have been taking because he can cover fullback centre and wing but seeing as he's injured...

A personal view of the squad which of course will not be the same as everyone elses but....

Backs: R Atkins (Warrington) Good season, Can he tough it against the Aussies?

T Briscoe (Hull) A tryer, would probably do better in a different team but dosn't take a backward step

K Brown (Huddersfield) No obvious reason for this choice!

T Clubb (Harlequins) A grafter but has he the guile to go with it.

L Cudjoe (Huddersfield) No obvious reason for this choice!

D Goulding (Wigan) Not sure about this choice

R Hall (Leeds) Good finisher, defence a bit suspect

L Robinson (Huddersfield)





S Tomkins (Wigan) Could play a blinder or..........

M Shenton (Castleford), Needs to convince Saints fans of his abilities, here is his chance

G Widdop (Melbourne). A star of next years NRL

Forwards: S Burgess (South Sydney) Guaranteed place

E Crabtree (Huddersfield), No obvious reason for this choice!

G Ellis (Wests Tigers),Guaranteed place

S Fielden (Wigan), The jury is out!

J Graham (St Helens) If he puts the effort from his mouth into his play he could havoc with the aussie forwards so they will try to wind him up!!! depends upon how he reacts

D Griffin (Huddersfield) A grafter. Does what it says on the tin

B Harrison (Warrington), Could be the find of the series

S Lunt (Huddersfield), No obvious reason for this choice!

A Morley (Warrington, capt), At the twighlight of his career and not the powerhouse he was but is still useful

S O’Loughlin (Wigan), The tackling machine, if only he would go lower. Can cost points

J Roby (St Helens), Needs to switch on. Seems to have misfired this season

J Tomkins (Wigan),Could make or break him.

B Westwood (Warrington). One of the most improved players over the last several years. Now he has his proper head on he has come on in leaps and bounds.

Now before the Giants fans think I am dismissive, Its just that as a TEAM the Giants players are effective within the coaches structures but I'm not sure they are that good outside that, but I am prepared to have my views changed.

I doubt McNamara had that option even if Gleeson had scored 100 tries and topped every stat in SL.

Never noticed to be honest



I think a lot of his selections go to show why he was innefective as a coach at club level.

Yeah, they play for Huddersfield so it stands to reason they must be completely average...have you been in a coma for the past 5 years Leaguefan?

If you want to be proud go for it.
But when you said 'to think that our "crappy little club" now provides more players for the national squad than any of the big,successful clubs is something all huddersfield fans should be proud of.' and then when we get destroyed we all know where to come to as you have more england players than enybody in the squad as you mentioned.
Be proud of it-yes.
Start getting smart-no.

Describing Tom Briscoe as a 'tryer' says all we need to know about Leaguefan's knowledge.

Yeah, cos we did so well in 2008 didnt we when Leeds and Saints dominated the team...no 50 point drubbings then, oh no.

1. S.Tomkins
2. Briscoe
3. Atkins
4. Widdop
5. Hall
6. Brown
7. Robinson
8. Morley
9. Roby
10. Graham
11. Burgess
12. Ellis
13. O'Loughlin

14. Harrison
15. Fielden
16. J.Tomkins
17. Lunt

If you think we will get to the final or actually get anywhere near either the Aussies or the Kiwis with that squad then I really would advise a check up from the neck up.

Clearly Mcnamara decides he wants to emulate it.

Yeah, clearly he should have picked more Rovers players, wait, do they have any that qualify for England?

Please point me in the direction of where I have at anytime said anything like that.
You may struggle to find said post though.

NO, but given your previous posts its about the level of your RL knowledge.

Well 'trying' has pulled off for him fantastically well so far...
also that he rekons this could make or break j tomkins, not sure how thats worked out, surely his superb season has made him.

Oh I see so Because I dont agree with you I know nothing about RL?
Gotcha.
Care to make a little wager?
If England get to the final I will happily post on the VT site everyday for a week that I know bugger all about RL and if they dont YOU have to post on the VT site for a week thet you know bugger all about RL.
Fancy it?

Widdop?

Apart from a few old heads in the pack McNamara is clearly looking to the future. I don't for a minuite expect us to beat Australia, but I'd like to see a young team play without fear and a bit of bravado, and be proud to support them. Too often we've looked like rabbits in the headlights, with a number of players literally looking scared by the quality of the opposition.

We need to find the players that respond positiviely and keep them. Shenton for example is dissed by a lot, and he's clearly no Inglis, and yet he styood up to be counted last year. O'Loughlin has previously done the same when selected. GB/England have loads of players for whom the opposite is sadly the case.

That's why McNamara has picked Widdop - he's hopefully going to be a real star. He's not yet obviously, but picking him for England makes sure he doesn't get tapped by NSW if and when he makes it.

BTW - the 2003 (?) Kangaroos were far weaker than this squad. That was a series GB could - and perhaps should - have won.

No obvious tactical kicker is my main worry. Tomkins maybe, but not if he plays full back.

No obvious tactical kicker is my main worry. Tomkins maybe, but not if he plays full back.

go watch the gareth widdop highlights video on ewetube....then say we don't have a tactical kicker