Also, we're playing a 4N series, but without Aus and NZ. What's the point? 4 walkovers against Wales, PNG and France x2 wont tell us much in the lead up to the WC next year.

The aussies and kiwi's dont want to know this year so id rather play some test rugby and give all the 4 countries some time together.

And i cant see any team walking over PNG , most players call them the toughest team to play

It will probably do them and the international game more good than us. I suppose its something we have to do if we want to improve the international scene long term.

Exiles should be a 3 match SOO type series seeing there is little or no interest in a Roses series

Are we? Where did you hear that from?

Looking forward to the internationals and Exiles games this year. Hopefully I'll be home for the game in July and I'll see what I can do for the end of season internationals.
I'm already looking forward to seeing Charnley, Hock, Micky Mc, Mossop, Lockers, Sam tormenting the Welsh and French lads..

Cos at least if there's regular, more "high profile" games for the likes of Wales/Ireland/Scotland then maybe they can start attracting players on the edge of England squads to play for them instead. In all likelihood McIllorum or Prescott won't get a game for England, they could be playing for Ireland and making their side stronger.

This, instead of the Magic weekend, i really do hope Ah Van plays

Do us a favour and get lost Patrick. We aint gonna be signing you this century so you may as well button it.

[urlhttp://www.loverugbyleague.com/news_8340-england-international-fixtures-confirmed.html[/url

See link; no PNG, just a triangular with Wales and Catalans Dragons in disguise.

My point being that folk are ready to criticise an event that doesn't even exist.

My misreading your post; while I concede that they won't be the challenges Australia or NZ would provide, they should still enable the team to find some cohesion.

England Wales Scotland and France would be ideal... why oh why hasnt efforts been made for this to happen... afterall Wales arent much better than Scotland if they are any better!! We hammered the Irish last year and the year before so why not..... and you can keep yer Brough!!!

oh id get it right up you lot if we beat the English

s'pose i can just dream eh

What's everyones exile team I am struggling tho;

Pat, Deruex, Monaghan x2, Carmont, Lima, Hohia, I'Meley, Waterhouse, Finch and Tommy have gotta play right.

Hodgson
Monaghan
Moon
Carmont
Richards
Finch
Dureau
O'Meley
Leuluai
Lima
Waterhouse
Puletua
O'Donnell

Monaghan
Solilola
Faiumu
Southern

No, 3 per team isn't it?

Was last year but we need to get ALL the best players on the pitch as it benefits the game as a whole.

I love the concept and it needs full backing from all SL sides.

We've been crying out for a game like this since SL was formed.

Personally I would have preferred a three-game Exiles series at the end of the season and left the France-Wales-Scotland-Ireland European competition as it was. Don't think Wales and France will gain anything from getting mullered by England again and a proper Exiles series would have been a much better test for England in preperation for the World Cup next year than a couple of walkover games

looking forward to the ireland game with england even if it wont be as competitive as would hope, purely for it being at thomond park, a full house to watch against england would only be good for the game especially considering the world cup game there next year

Dont see the point in the Wales and France games, unless we blood the youngsters. The Exiles should be good though.

The knights should play them imo.

Absolutely nothing on main BBC Sport web page about today's England squad announcement. 'Prince Harry runs with Usain Bolt' & 'Team GB given handshake guidance' make front page though. Even Gudni Bergsson deemed more important.

rangi chase is going to feel like a bit of an idiot in this exiles game

and am I the only one who'd like to see England Knights given a go in this international series with Wales/France etc?? Would be good to see them against England imo

The only way to change that is by winning the WC in 2013.

The Knights are playing in the Alitalia Cup at the end of the season, (Scotland, Ireland and Italy).

Just spotted as well that Lee Mossop has rightfully got a call up to the England Elite squad. Fully deserved.