I think how far Wane will take it won't be far enough for Hall, Burgess or Hill tbh. He's loyal to fault sometimes but not to that degree. I do think he'll pick guys like Bateman and Clark though, as they will now be his experienced heads.  As you say, it'll be a balance. I think we'll see those guys like Bateman, Clark, Knowles, Williams etc, who are lads he trusts but he will probably just ease in a couple of younger players as well. 

The balance in terms of current form not ousting players with history of performing for England and in big games will come via the selections of players like Harry Smith and Welsby. They've not been at their best over the season but they're tried and tested in the big games and have that mentality of the bigger the game, the better they play. 

Door may be open slightly for Marshall, if Johnstone's injury problems don't get resolved by the end of the season. I think Wane would have gone with Young and one of  Johnstone or Ashton (so would I to be fair) but Marshall must surely be the next cab off the rank if Johnstone drops out.


I agree re Smith. It's him and Williams or Lewis in the halves - Williams and Lewis doesn't have the right balance, though it wouldn't necessarily be a disaster if, say, Smith were to be injured. If I were picking right now, I would go with Smith and Lewis but I agree with others, Wane will start with Williams and put Lewis on the bench.


Regarding Connor, I like him as a player and he has been very good this season. But age is against him - would we go into a world cup with him next year? - and I think this is factoring into Wane's thinking as well. It's a pity for Connor, as he has shown up well for England when given the chance but I think the ship sailed some time ago. I am only surprised so many people are surprised that Wane didn't pick him in the last squad. Of course, Connor does give some versatility as well, but halfback is his best position and I don't see how anyone can realistically make the case he goes ahead of Lewis, Smith or Williams. I wouldn't want him to play full back or centre against Australia at this stage of his career.

and Welsby is 100% to get the FB spot  - assuming he recovers in time which is sounding like he will.

Personally I think the door is borderline off its hinges on Marshall and his chances. Not many Wigan players can be happy with the quality and consistency of their performances this season but I think he's one. Wane usually picks three wingers in his squad and he wants lads who can get your set rolling, with tough carries from your end and Marshall has just got better and better at that as the years have gone by, to the point where now he's just about the best in the league (certainly statistically he's making the most metres, is right up there on an average gain per carry basis). 

People worry about his lack of height and the potential worry of him facing Lomax or Coates but that would be there with any of our options against those two, even the taller ones.  Joe Burgess gets mentioned but he's poor under a high ball and his work rate is nowhere near as high and his average gain is well down on Marshall, Johnstone and Ashton (before his injury). 

On Lewis being 'a 6 all day long': I watched the game against Cats, and Lewis seemed to most of the organising, play-making, and kicking. Plus a couple of tries from good support play. And May seemed to do... not much, really! But he does that thing where he gets the ball standing still, and does a bit of a dance around on the spot, before passing to someone a metre away from him! 

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.