Its funny that when people talk about omissions from the squad they basically talk about forwards, where we're already very strong. There were no omissions from the squad in the backs that would have made an iota of difference except for Hardaker who Bennett couldn't pick. Tomkins hadn't got into the kind of physical shape required, and after him who would realistically have made a positive difference at all?
As for the team once playing, the only pick I do question is to use Percival in the centres, as our lack of attacking punch was the problem in the Final.
What Bennett did bring was the best defence we've probably ever had, and a mindset of at least believing we deserved to be on the same field as the Aussies. I really can't see any way a different coach would have done better at all.