I know no one ever agrees on a 24 man squad, but i'm pretty sure unaimously among RL fans, we think Kevin Browns inclusion is up there with Calderwoods in 08

A 35 year old aussie ahead of Farrell?

Very light on specialist backs there. I'd have taken Tomkins over either Ratchford/Brown as well

I would have probably gone with Joe Burgess instead of Brown, I don't really see the value in picking 4 halves, ideally you want two of them playing together throughout the tournament.

Other than that, as expected really, probably about 12-16 points behind Aus and possibly about level par with NZ.

I think the tackle in the 2nd half of the GF on Ward when he got up holding the shoulder decided where his season was going to end. Probably shouldnt have played in the GF but is an absolute warrior for doing so.

Too much of a risk to take to Oz. Massive shame but pretty certain he'll have plenty more opportunities to pull on an England shirt in the future.

Edited: Might be wrong, rumours Ward being called up to the Wales squad?

I admire your optimism but I can't see this squad keeping Australia to within 12-16 points. I think we could be in for a pretty torrid time over there in this WC.

If there are 6 better English props than Liam Watts then I'm watching a different game.

Kevin brown over double lance todd winning Marc Sneyd.

35 year old Aussie instead of Farrell

It seems it's harder to get out of this England team than it is to get in it!

What a laughing joke Kevin Brown is in this squad jesus christ

Farrel has been pretty poor this season by his standards and he's never really stood out internationally either.

I can't fathom how Shaul/Sneyd weren't picked, even if for backup. Looks like we'll have lomax or ratchford which is poor when Shaul is ready and waiting and 10x the player they've been this season.

What happens if Hodgson or Roby gets injured? Williams off the bench at hooker? Seems odd to take four halfbacks (plus Ratchford, who also offers halfback cover) and only two hookers.

I don't think there's too much pressure on Bennett in this tournament really. The absolute minimum expected is to reach the semi-final, which they should do easily. But then the most likely outcome is that they face NZ in Auckland in the semi and go off slight underdogs. If they win then it will probably be regarded as a successful tournament even if they get pumped in the final.

What a strange squad.

Heightington, Lomax, Brown and possibly Currie due to lack of games shouldn't be in the squad.

Watts, Shenton, Ward and Sneyd not being there is laughable.

We'll all have different opinions (I think Shenton and Eden are very unlucky to miss out) but the inclusion of Kevin Brown is absolutely barmy. Over Sneyd? Is Bennett actually watching any games, or is he just picking up an easy wage.
Also surprised at the omission of Shaul. He's been the second best full back by a mile this year.

The lack of options in the 3/4's concern me. Only 2 wingers & 2 centres mean any injuries and we have either Bateman or Currie covering the backs.

I think this shows that bennett rarely watches SL and is going on reputation rather than form.

It doesn't look much difference to the squad he picked last year.

I'm not sure that Shaul or Sneyd are International class, but they at leas should be give a go rather than the same old players who haven't performed at international level.

Sooner we get Powell or Radford in the better.

Another Leeds GF win followed by a bunch of their players being snubbed...

Seems about right, it has worked out so well in the past



After all Ward and McGuire played blinders in the highest pressure game of the year but Heighington and Brown... ummm... maybe they offered to pay their own way or something...

Heighington has also been poor and never stood out for England, in fact, in the mid season test he was dreadful, I know I am bias but based on this season I thought Ward should have been picked before Currie and Bateman, let alone this guy!

What is Betts doing in all of this, as he obviously isn't providing video of the form players

as a stand alone argument that they are not proven at international level i can understand why shaul and sneyd weren't picked. however when you consider that brown and ratchford are in instead of them it makes no sense at all. surely the fist two names would give the squad a better quality than the latter (remember they don't have to play in the game v australia, they could be blooded in the other group games). the biggest omission is liam watts - he's been at least on a par with taylor this season at FC. bennet has his little 'club england', and its hard to get in or out of it regardless of form

I agree Ward has been good, however given he was a shock inclusion to the GF and assumed to be out with a shoulder injury perhaps that had an effect on him not being picked.

I'd go;

1. Lomax (would have gone Shaul surely?)
2. McGilvary
3. Watkins
4. Percival
5. Hall
6. Widdop
7. Gale/Williams (Had the GF not happened I'd be going Gale all the way but I'm not sure now)
8. Graham
9. Hodgson
10. Taylor
11. S Burgess
12. Whitehead
13. O'Loughlin

14. T Burgess
15. Walmsley
16. Hill
17. Roby

Think we're strong enough at prop to not have S Burgess play there. Would like to see him run a bit wider and go up against those Aussie back rowers/centres.

"Not proven at international level", how are they supposed to prove themselves despite having better seasons several years in a row.. really is ridiculous

Tomkins not in the squad is a surprise considering no Hardacker but Tomkins isn't the same player anymore. Lost pace and I think without that extra pace his lack of size is more of a problem.

I don't think his form had much to do with it as Bennett doesn't watch much superleague.

You can imagine the conversation:

Phone rings...

Betts: Good afternoon, Betts Household, Dennis speaking

Bennett: Right then Bettsy, been busy at Brisbane, so I've not watched any Superleague for the last few months, hows it all panning out?

Betts: Brilliant Boss, been to loads of games over the last few weeks.

Bennett: Fantastic, what's to report, anyone stand out there at Cas, Leeds, Hull?

Betts: Well to be honest I've been watching the middle 8s a a lot, you know with being involved and that.

Bennett: Fair dinkum, who do ya reckon then?

Betts: Well Warrington have been REALLY good, they stuck 68 past Featherstone.

Bennet: Ripper! Lets get the Warrington boys in there - is Browny still there?

Betts: Yes boss

Bennett: Brilliant, he makes a great cup of tea....know exactly when to take the teabag out. Anyone else?

Betts: Nobody I can think of, shall we just go for the lads we got together earlier?

Bennett: Sounds bonza mate, Chris Heighinton's been banging on about getting together for a catch up again before he retires. Best send him an invite too. See you in a couple of weeks!

Stanley....that is so good it isn't funny
I can actually imagine that conversation

Individually Matty Ashurst has had fine couple of seasons. Solid in defence, gets through the hard yards, and scored a fair few tries this. Certainly done more to be involved than Currie.