GB squad named...

[Charge]

Hock and O'Loughlin are the other end of the spectrum. They spent the season in the doldrums as Wigan struggled massively. Both developed discipline problems this season and it wasn't until Fielden settled the Wigan pack that they started to perform. Thats not the kind of platform from which to launch yourself into international games. Same with Paul Johnson who hasn't played much rugby this season.

True for O'Loughlin, but Hock only came back just before Wigan started to improve, and was probably one of the people who started the improvement.

 

[East Coast Tiger]

The one thing GB must do this year, no matter who they pick, is put plenty of size on the bench. In the past, especially when Waite was coach, a GB bench usually consisten of at least two backs. In 2002 in the Sydney massacre he had 1 backrower, 1 hooker, 1 centre and a standoff/loose forward for example. On other occasions they've had Horne and Orr or Long and Sinfield on the bench. Australia will have three forwards and a utility player, they always do and there's a reason for that.
They can't have Roby and Burrow on the bench, what is the point of that? I reckon the reason GB often picks several halves/loose forwards on the bench is because they have so little faith in the playmakers they have chosen to start. When Australia picks a side they pick their halves based on the idea that they will play 80 minutes. GB seems to need a back-up half because chances are things will go pair-shaped and they'll need someone else to try and perform a miracle. I remember in 2003 when Australia came back at Hull to win 23-20 and Sean Long sat on the bench all game. He was only used in the last two minutes when it was clear GB needed a miracle to win. What a waste. They need to pick their best halves and stick with them. Have a utility on the bench who can cover a few positions, including half if there is an injury, but don't waste bench spots on desperate back-up plans. They need to have size, probably two props and a backrower.

 

[Sharkie™]

Reasonably strong squad but i think Aust and NZ will be alot stronger. should be a great series and i cant wait.

 

[JasonE]

The one thing GB must do this year, no matter who they pick, is put plenty of size on the bench. In the past, especially when Waite was coach, a GB bench usually consisten of at least two backs. In 2002 in the Sydney massacre he had 1 backrower, 1 hooker, 1 centre and a standoff/loose forward for example. On other occasions they've had Horne and Orr or Long and Sinfield on the bench. Australia will have three forwards and a utility player, they always do and there's a reason for that.
They can't have Roby and Burrow on the bench, what is the point of that? I reckon the reason GB often picks several halves/loose forwards on the bench is because they have so little faith in the playmakers they have chosen to start. When Australia picks a side they pick their halves based on the idea that they will play 80 minutes. GB seems to need a back-up half because chances are things will go pair-shaped and they'll need someone else to try and perform a miracle. I remember in 2003 when Australia came back at Hull to win 23-20 and Sean Long sat on the bench all game. He was only used in the last two minutes when it was clear GB needed a miracle to win. What a waste. They need to pick their best halves and stick with them. Have a utility on the bench who can cover a few positions, including half if there is an injury, but don't waste bench spots on desperate back-up plans. They need to have size, probably two props and a backrower.

Couldn't agree more with this post, it's what i've been saying for years.
As for this current squad it is way too light on for props (only 3 specialists)
Thats why i would've added another 3
Lynch - go forward and skill
D.Sculthorpe - need a ball playing prop
Crabtree/Thackray/or Wood - mobile.

Still can't believe Paul Johnson is there, a waste of a spot.

 

[The Observer]

Jase, what would your 25 man GB squad be and who would be your first choice 17? I agree the squad is light on specialist props, and agree with your opinions of Newton - while he's creative and a strong tackler, he's a hothead that can concede penalties and be niggled.

Not sure Johnson is a waste of a spot, although he's been out with injury, he played very well against NZ last year, is a strong wide running second rower, and IMO he's better than Ellis (a powderpuff) and Gilmour (who goes missing and doesn't offer much either).

 

[Fairleigh Good!]

Jase, what would your 25 man GB squad be and who would be your first choice 17? I agree the squad is light on specialist props, and agree with your opinions of Newton - while he's creative and a strong tackler, he's a hothead that can concede penalties and be niggled.

Not sure Johnson is a waste of a spot, although he's been out with injury, he played very well against NZ last year, is a strong wide running second rower, and IMO he's better than Ellis (a powderpuff) and Gilmour (who goes missing and doesn't offer much either).

Gilmour has been superb this season and incredibly consistent. I'm not sure he is physical enough to play there for GB, but Johnson is no stronger and has been out for the majority of the season with a serious injury.

 

[JasonE]

Jase, what would your 25 man GB squad be and who would be your first choice 17? I agree the squad is light on specialist props, and agree with your opinions of Newton - while he's creative and a strong tackler, he's a hothead that can concede penalties and be niggled.

Not sure Johnson is a waste of a spot, although he's been out with injury, he played very well against NZ last year, is a strong wide running second rower, and IMO he's better than Ellis (a powderpuff) and Gilmour (who goes missing and doesn't offer much either).

My 17 out of the current squad would be and why:
1. Horne - fullback would be perfect for him, he's not an organiser but a great ballrunner and defender.
2. Rayner - exciting and good on his feet.
3. Gleeson - picks himself
4. Pryce - well suited to playing centre
5. Senior - hasn't the skill to play centre but his size and strength would make him a dangerous winger.
6. McGuire - he and Long are atarting to build a good combination, McGuire hasn't lost a test match yet as a starting 6.
7. Long - ready to make his mark at test level.

8. Carvell - GB need good go forward and Carvell woill be better off starting than coming off the bench.
9. Newton - wouldn't have made my side but now they have to use him.
10. Fielden - needs to concentrate on going forward instead of prancing around trying to show how strong he is.
11. Gilmour - always had talent and ability, this season he has come of age and is more consistent.
12. Ellis - Athleic and mobile, great workrate
13. Wilkin - deserves a spot after an outstanding season, very skilful and just what GB need at lock.

GB will need a strong bench with impact
14. Morley - will be short of match fitness but should be fresh and raring to go.
15. Peacock - currently playing like a big girl but the 4 week break could be a blessing.
16. Roby - if GB can get a roll on he could be the star player, dynamite out of the ruck area
17. Graham - reputations mean nothing to him, a refreshing and talented player.

apart from Cunningham making Johnson look good against the Kiwis last year, can someone remind me of 1 other great game he has played in the last 10 years ?

 

[East Coast Tiger]

I agree with JasonE about not picking Wellens at fullback. He's a great player but GB need someone that offers more in attack. Horne was very good when he played fullback for Hull. I also like Horne, but he's a hard guy to find a spot for. I would have Pryce there but even McGuire might be the way to go. Pryce has played there before including once for GB and was good. McGuire hasn't played there but it just might be the right spot for him, though he'd need to train there from now on and play there in their trial game. There's no point throwing a guy into the deep end but they do need to do something with the fullback spot, it's so important as an attacking position these days.
As for Senior on the wing, maybe that's not a bad idea. My biggest criticism of him is his poor ball sense at centre, so maybe the wing might be better. He's still and big and pretty fast and there's a few games left in him yet. Earlier in the year I thought it was time to ditch him but with such a big Aussie backline likely GB could do with a bit of size of their own.
I've noticed in some games GB fall away once the starting big men come off or get tired so maybe Carvell starting and Morley and Graham coming off the bench might be a good idea too. But I don't know about Gilmour. His best games for GB have been in the backs and I'm not sure he'll stand up, especially physically. I agree Johnson shouldn't be there. He was surprisingly good last year but he's still not good enough. He was good on the ing in 2001 and that got him selected there again in 2002 when he was a passenger against Australia in Sydney. Apparently the excuse was he wasn't completely fit which is probably the case at the moment. Wilkin has to be there though. If there's one thing that is exciting about this rather average GB squad is that there are some very promising young players like Graham and Wilkin in there.

 

[Fairleigh Good!]

My 17 out of the current squad would be and why:
1. Horne - fullback would be perfect for him, he's not an organiser but a great ballrunner and defender.
2. Rayner - exciting and good on his feet.
3. Gleeson - picks himself
4. Pryce - well suited to playing centre
5. Senior - hasn't the skill to play centre but his size and strength would make him a dangerous winger.
6. McGuire - he and Long are atarting to build a good combination, McGuire hasn't lost a test match yet as a starting 6.
7. Long - ready to make his mark at test level.

8. Carvell - GB need good go forward and Carvell woill be better off starting than coming off the bench.
9. Newton - wouldn't have made my side but now they have to use him.
10. Fielden - needs to concentrate on going forward instead of prancing around trying to show how strong he is.
11. Gilmour - always had talent and ability, this season he has come of age and is more consistent.
12. Ellis - Athleic and mobile, great workrate
13. Wilkin - deserves a spot after an outstanding season, very skilful and just what GB need at lock.

GB will need a strong bench with impact
14. Morley - will be short of match fitness but should be fresh and raring to go.
15. Peacock - currently playing like a big girl but the 4 week break could be a blessing.
16. Roby - if GB can get a roll on he could be the star player, dynamite out of the ruck area
17. Graham - reputations mean nothing to him, a refreshing and talented player.

apart from Cunningham making Johnson look good against the Kiwis last year, can someone remind me of 1 other great game he has played in the last 10 years ?

Do you not rate Kirk Yeaman? I think he's been the brightest young thing at centre I've seen in a long time, and he's had a very productive season.

I think we are going to lose whatever team we pick, so we may as well leave out players like Senior who are on the brink of their international days being over anyway.

 

[East Coast Tiger]

Do you not rate Kirk Yeaman? I think he's been the brightest young thing at centre I've seen in a long time, and he's had a very productive season.

I think we are going to lose whatever team we pick, so we may as well leave out players like Senior who are on the brink of their international days being over anyway.

Or not subject the good young players to a hiding first up.
Yeaman will get his chance during the 3N but after his injury he probably needs to get back his confidence and form first. On his early season form he would have been straight in.

 

[Deleted member 10972]

1. Wellens/Pryce/Horne
2. Carney
3. Gleeson
4. Senior/Yeaman
5. Hodgson/Raynor/Pryce/Senior
6. McGuire
7. Long

This is how the backline stands at the moment. 2, 3, 6 & 7 should be automatic selections. However the fullback position is contentious, as the auto pick Wellens offers little in attack compared to Pryce or Horne, but is far more safe. However against the Aussies & Kiwi's you should have an X-Factor at the back. At centre it is really the choice between the young talent, untested at top level, or Senior, past his prime but still big, strong & probably able to handle Gaz, Hodges or Inglis in defence. I don't really see Aspinwall as a serious contender, much like Stephen Wild of the past. The final wing is the hardest position. Pryce & Senior come into the equation if they miss out on fullback & centre respectively, however the main options are Hodgson, an outstanding player, & Raynor, who is very good on his day too. The halves should be set as they are, best options to run with for the match. Plenty of pace, attacking spark, but not sure about the creativity of the two.

IMO, without doubt you must start up front with:

8. Carvell
9. Newton
10. Fielden
11. Morley
12. Peacock
13. Ellis

Big backrowers to combat Hindmarsh & Mason, grunt up front to counter Australia's big men, tough dummy half, & a mobile lock. Morley & Peacock are both better as backrowers, plus it gives the oppurtunity to play another big bloke up front. It would not be advised to play Australia or NZ with someone like Ellis, Gilmour, Wilkin or Johnson starting in the backrow (11 or 12). At lock it is okay, but you need BIG backrows vs Aussies & NZ's monster packs.

14. Roby
15. Gilmour/Wilkin/Johnson
16. Graham
17. Coley/Lynch

As for the bench, must be AT LEAST two genuine props for strng rotation, i.e. Coley/Lynch (whoever is the best choice) & Graham. Leave one position for a utility mobile forward who can add mobility & fringe attacking to the forte, which is one of Gilmour, Wilkin or Johnson. And the final position for someone to up the ante from dummy half, something which Roby is very adept at doing.

 

[bartman]

GB will need a strong bench with impact
14. Morley - will be short of match fitness but should be fresh and raring to go.
15. Peacock - currently playing like a big girl but the 4 week break could be a blessing.
16. Roby - if GB can get a roll on he could be the star player, dynamite out of the ruck area
17. Graham - reputations mean nothing to him, a refreshing and talented player.

Nice bench! Some size there too. These days bench players can play just as many minutes as starters, and I think that could work well. Gb need to hold the other teams in the forwards, and then have some different and unexpected sources of spark in attack.

Fullback could well be one of those new sources of attack, as could loose forward and from the current squad Wilkins could provide that energy there. Though I think if Noble is going to pick anyone at fullback except Wellens he'd opt for Pryce. Could turn out OK, as the squad has some room to move to cover a centre/wing spot that Pryce might have otherwise been considered for.

 

[Fairleigh Good!]

Nice bench! Some size there too. These days bench players can play just as many minutes as starters, and I think that could work well. Gb need to hold the other teams in the forwards, and then have some different and unexpected sources of spark in attack.

Fullback could well be one of those new sources of attack, as could loose forward and from the current squad Wilkins could provide that energy there. Though I think if Noble is going to pick anyone at fullback except Wellens he'd opt for Pryce. Could turn out OK, as the squad has some room to move to cover a centre/wing spot that Pryce might have otherwise been considered for.

He is not going to drop Paul Wellens. If we did we would have to find someone capable of making up the 18-24 points him not being there would cause to be shipped. It would be suicide to leave out the Man of Steel for a stand off who can't tackle or position himself or a half back with the strength of a gentle breeze.

 

[anjado]

Paul Wellens is a good player but they can't pick him because he is too slow and is poor attacking. They need to pick Horne or Price at fullback they need to take a risk Wellens is very much the safe and solid option. Who won't f**k up but won't break a game either.

Great Britain need game breakers in the team and Wellens is'nt one. Especially when you consider Australia can pick loads of game breaking fullbacks. Really can anyone think of a fullback in the NRL who offers less in attack then Wellens ?

But in his defence he is probably better defensively then anyone. But Great Britain need game breakers so he can't play he is more of an old fashioned fullback rather then the ones we have today.

Aspinwall and O'loughlin definetly should'nt be there i cannot believe Paul Cooke isn't in the squad. They need him for his kicking game alone.
Sean Long well apart from Lee Briers they could'nt of picked anyone else. I would of prefered Briers since Sean Long has been playing internationals for nearly 10 years and still hasn't done anything.

Im suprised Newton would start he gives away far too many penalties. Apart from that the forward pack is as good as Australia or New Zealand's. At least there starting pack is maybe not for depth but any pack with Fielden and Morley in it is going to be hard to stop.

But in the backline Australia and New Zealand really slaughter Great Britain unfortunetly. It's really unfortunate Great Britain Don't have the likes of a Hanley or Schofield or even Johnathan Davies. Because i think if the players of that era got to play behind Morley and Fielden and Farrell and Sculthorpe they would of beaten Australia by now.

 

[Deleted member 10972]

The only fullbacks as good defensively as Wellens are Minichiello, Hornby, & maybe McKinnon. Young Shaun Foley fom the Roosters has the potential to be in the Luke Phillips mould, fearless defender, he might not be big enough to stop the big blokes, but always attempts the tackle & puts his body on the line. As for fullbacks who offer less in attack then Wellens...umm...Polglase?

 

[bartman]

He is not going to drop Paul Wellens. If we did we would have to find someone capable of making up the 18-24 points him not being there would cause to be shipped. It would be suicide to leave out the Man of Steel for a stand off who can't tackle or position himself or a half back with the strength of a gentle breeze.

Fair point, but to me it depends on the style of game GB wants to take to the tri-nations. Is it just about turning up with a defensive outlook, and hoping that the depth in the pack stands up against Aus/NZ enough to stop the floodgates opening (even Wellens wouldn't stop the flow once the pack is dominated)? Or is it a chance to recognise that GB need to try something different and bring more attacking points in the side, maybe at the expense of some defence at the back rank?

Unfortunately it has been proved time and again that in international combinations letting all the attack flow through Sean Long makes GB easier for teams to shut down, he just doesn't have the options around him. The possibility that 7, 9, 13, 6 and maybe 1 could all become potential attacking organisers or kicking option to make things much less predictable, and give the chance for GB to score more points (to make up for not being able to contain the opposition all across the field for the full 80, cf 2004 final v Lockyer, last years games v NZ).

Noble hasn't picked anyone at loose who could take up that playmaking opportunity, so it will be the same defend and hope Long isn't heavily marked scenario again. But I wouldn't mind see them try something different at some point, just means 8, 10, 11, 12, 2, 3, 4, 5 and three forwards off the bench need to step up a level defensively to make someone like Pryce being at the back less of an issue.

 

[Newcastlerabbit]

I cant believe Lee Briers missed out on selection.I would love to see him out here.He would definately make it in the NRL.