Completely agree, I think the 'Chase question' will solve itself when Widdop becomes available for selection, but like others on here, I would've picked Broughy all day up to now

the point about Danny Brough was the best one - everyone wants him to play for england despite him playing against England for Scotland.

Same concept.

It's just that Chase plays for Cas. You'll never admit it, but the above proves that tp be true.

Besides, I think this debate has prooooobably already happened. At least once.

Anyway, I like seeing the England football team get stuffed because of the deluded attitude of football fans/players/coaches/journalists that we are one of the best teams - then we end up losing to a few goat herders from Macedonia or something and there's an uproar. Tickles me every time!!!!

I think our chances at the world cup this year are realistic - I always assume QL V NSW is like Aus v Eng - the QL diamond of playmakers are basically the Aus playmakers - and they've been beaten two weeks ago.

Thing is I reckon England wouldn't beat either QL or NSW in a three test series.

It's exciting though that we have 6/7/8 NRL players making our team up for the world cup this year (Luke and George Burgess, Widdop, Reed, Graham, Heighington) .....gives us a great chance, if we can get them over here early enough

I'm English.
If England are competing at anything, they are my team.

That includes Chelsea playing in Europe, or British Lions playing in Aus or Jessica Ennis competing in the Olympics..........and for that matter if we are taking on Germany at Conkers, I want England to win.

I have no interest in football hence I don't care - it just tickles me the reaction when we lose.... even after 47 years of winning nothing it still seems a shock to the newspapers

I am English but more importantly Wakefield born. Hence Wakefield feelings override National feelings when applicable.
I even cheer Man U on in Champions League!

oh ok..... what's the difference between Brough and Chase in that respect then?

By the way I agree, I think Widdop and Myler 6-7 with Sinny at loose. Alternatively Widdop and Siny with SO'L at loose

I think Clarke will be in the squad very soon he's a top player (coincidentally, I don't think he will be in OUR squad much longer at all)

I think we're pretty much arguing the same point, here - but don't get me wrong, I'm not anti-Chase (or anti-Cas) in anyway, I just feel that Widdop should be a shoe-in at WC time - he's been playing a massive role for what I think is the best club team in the world, and has made it his own.

I agree completely about QL and NSW too, which got me thinking about the Exiles game, and how it doesn't seem to get the blood pumping like it should - is it because we 'like' the opposition too much (we as in fans, rather than players)?

It just struck me that when Steve Menzies put Monaghan in for a try in the corner, I was just as thrilled as when England scored - because I love watching Menzies (and plenty of others in the Exiles team) play - I don't have any animosity towards them whatsoever.

The fact is Danny Brough is a Dewsbury lad born and bred, quite a bit different to Chase, who hasn't got one drop of English blood in him and is only playing for England by default.

There's been a number of Cas players I've supported over the years playing for England/GB, so I'm not sure how that comes into it, just like I'll back players from any team, even Leeds.

But saying that I'll still back & support England and won't cut my nose off to spite my face.

I agree with the Exiles bit. I like the concept but it is like a Barbarians game. It's fun to watch rather than energising a crowd to passionate support.
There is really no danger of a punch up on the field.
Same would be the issue with a probable and possibles game.

Yorkshire Lancashire
England France
Even Tonga or PNG as opposition if we could pay for their visit

Problem is, Exiles is a better test for the team preparation

Yep always back anything English, from swimming to Athletics to Rugby League.

That is a very good point.
Jokingly but meant in all seriousness how about Eng vs Pantomime Villains (players we all love to hate):

1 Tomkins
2 Joel Monaghan (dont hate him, but come on it was a dog FFS!!!)
3 Ryan McGoldrick
4
5 R.Owen
6 Chase or Kevin Brown
7
8 Hock
9
10 Griffin
11 Ryan Bailey
12
13 Sinfield

14 Willie Mason
15
16
17

Fill in as you feel apropriate.
Coached by Ian Millward - naturally!!
I know it wouldn't work because the players we hate may be the players other supporters love, but im sure the prospect of these players getting mashed by one of our own would be appetising to many!!!

Tried to fill some gaps in here KC but can't really think of anyone I dislike that much, maybe Richard Owen?

Nice one mate I'll add him on the wing.

Bailey can always get a spot!

Leon Pryce?

already got him!

In place of either Chase or Brown? Have you taken leave of your senses???

KARL Pryce for me. big useless lump.

I know this is a wakefield forum but for sheer whinging purposes, Sinfield Mcguire and Ma......th.....ers have to be in as well

just my opinion like

I don't like whinging

....although mathers wouldn't displace Sam

Come on Dave! You are on our forum as much as we are.
Just change your name to Dave@Wakey2013 and come clean. You know you want to.

Put him in at scrum half, he's horrible and needs JP into him!
Just find him a place, water boy will do!

It's a shame all this.

First I totally agree about Chase, but when you read the SL apologist on the VT like Smokey and co you can see how this has come to pass.

The sad thing is that the current crop of players available to our moronic coach are IMHO the best for some 20 years. Sadly he choses to have an antipodean obsession which is mirrored throughout the sport.

Chase is a decent enough player but no world beater. Personally I wouldn't have him even if he were but the fact that he isn't makes his selection all the more ridiculous. Myler, Burrows, Tompkins, Widdop, Brough and a few more offer similar.

With the pack we may be able to field all the above should be able to operate to the best of their abilities so why push Chase when he really won't make much of a difference.

If the game had a Coach and a Management with any moral fibre we would be in with a chance - but until we do it remains unlikely.

In response Vasty (I totally agree with your post BTW) I think McNamara recognises that, Solid as Widdop is (and I'm sure WILL BE when the WC starts) him and Chase are pretty much as North/South as you can get with Stand Off's.

I may be biased but if Chase qualifies for selection then that's fine by me. The rules are the same globally, and it's not the first time it's happened (Iaafeta Palea'asina)

Anyway, in my opinion, the off-the-cuff style of Chase and his potential individual brilliance shouldn't be overlooked by the England coach, and I think he was absolutely correct in playing him at 6 against the exiles - in what is, technically, a friendly.

I've no problem at all with McNamara trying our good players in certain combinations, because, as you say, for once we have depth! If it doesn't work try something else! That's surely what these fixtures are about, coming up to a world cup.

I've no doubt that Widdop will get the nod, as Chase hasn't stood out like he potentially (maybe) could've done.

At least we can go to the WC now (probably with Widdop) saying, you know what, this guy was the best 6 we could've fielded. Rather than not knowing what Chase's impact would've been.

The problem is he didn't show any of that and its that trait that is Chases' main (probably only) trump card. McNamara had him playing to a structured system which just doesn't suit him, if he is going to play that way then surely Widdop, who plays in the most structured team of them all at Melbourne, should be first pick. Sadly for Chase England won't be playing the Cas tactic of letting Rangi do his thing so i'm afraid the best he will get is maybe an impact player off the bench role if its all going wrong. But personally I would with other options off the bench, probably Lunt.

He also didn't do himself any favours with his defensive performance either, something that Widdop is strong at. Whilst I maintain Brough and Widdop should have been the partnership, that ship has sailed and for me Widdop and Sinfield should get the halves gig.