nathan_rugby:
Havard won't be in the team based on recent form.
I’m stunned he got in the squad or anywhere near.
Pre injury he was showing signs he could be quality but ever since the Catalans Grand final in 2024 he’s been, and I hate to say this, poor.
His body language just looks off and I’m not sure if his issue is physical or mental but something isn’t right.
Nsemba, on this years form shouldn’t be there either. He’s either fatigued from playing too much or believing the hype but so far in 2025 he’s going backwards. I can though see him getting his act together and forcing the case.
Bateman will be in the 17, Wane loves him, and to be fair he’s playing well at the moment. We have KPP and Nicholson too so Nsemba needs to find his form quickly.
Wardle is way off his best but I think he’s safe due to lack of competition.
Smith is the natural 7, the only real natural 7 apart from Sneyd. I rate Sneyd but his defence isn’t anywhere near good enough.
Lewis and Williams are 7/6 highbrids. They can play both roles but when Smith is firing he’s comfortably the best 7. Smith isn’t firing and if the team is picked tomorrow the halves are Lewis and Williams. Smith though again has credit in the bank and a couple of months to regain his form.
Marshall I love, but he’s not an international player. He’s consistently the best winger in SL or up there but the challenges at the top level are very different. Even if Ashton and Johnstone are out I’d go with Ash Handley and I think Burgess could maybe still force his way ahead of Marshy.
Luckily for some of our lads the team isn’t picked tomorrow and I’m sure they will peak in September & October and play themselves into the team.
I actually think given the expected players defecting to Samoa in Haas, Tino and Hammer the Australian team are significantly weakened, they will still clearly be favourites and rightly so, but I don’t think the gap is as wide as some think IF, we can get out best 17 on the pitch and on form.