moto748 wrote:
I agree with all of that, except Powell!
I get that he's not everyone's cup of tea, and he probably wouldn't do much for improving the media engagement! But he has had his team playing with flair and creativity for several years and he has also made the most of limited resources - I think that is a useful ability at international level, where you can't just transfer in players from other clubs. I would throw Watson into the mix as well but I think, what he has done for one season, Powell has basically been doing for several. I have also seen Danny Ward's name being mentioned in the media but would rather see him as an assistant if he were to be involved at this stage of his career.
On another point, I see a lot of people referencing pride, passion and determination, which I think is a dangerous blind alley. Every time England (or GB in this case) disappoint people start looking for someone to get some passion into the players. It's not about passion, or the coach's nationality. It's about ability, tactical awareness and smarts on the pitch. In the case of our players at the moment, it is about better ball movement, better last tackle options, not giving away stupid penalties and not making handling errors in crucial areas of the pitch. In the case of our coach, it is about selecting players in the right positions, making sure that there is balance in the squad and pace in the team and taking off his blinkers with regard to player selection, both in assuming that playing in the NRL automatically elevates a player beyond playing in Super League, and in showing loyalty to players who are no longer up to the job.
As well as Bennett going, we really need to see the following:
Chris Hill - gone. He did really well when he broke into the England team but he is now past his prime and no longer offers enough for test level.
James Graham - also gone. Still a really good player but his performances have not been at the right level at test level for a while. He has been a champion player for his country, no doubt, but the time should be up now and, also, he needs to think about prolonging his club career at this stage. I also don't think he is the right choice as captain.
Josh Hodgson - should still definitely be in the squad for me but there is no doubt that he has been comprehensively outshone by both Roby and Clark for the last few seasons. Given Roby's age, Clark should absolutely be our number one hooker at the moment.
Ryan Hall - another player who has been outstanding over the years but he is done now, at this level. His pace is gone and he has clearly not played enough this season.
Gareth Widdop - I am not saying there is no place for him, he has been a great player at times but pick him on form, not just reputation. This tour he has offered nothing and I think he has stifled his halfback partner by controlling what little ball the forwards allow the backs.
Bring Liam Watts in for heaven's sake! I know people have some reservations but we will never know unless he gets a chance. Other players that ought to be in and around the mix - Regan Grace, Josh Charnley, Sam Tomkins, Mark Percival, Reece Lyne (I know he has his detractors as well but we are crying out for centres), Ryan Sutton and probably more. We also desperately need a replacement for O'Loughlin to link the forwards to the backs. If it can't be done from loose forward it needs to come from somewhere.
Finally, if Bennett is insisting on using this to build for the World Cup, what the heck are some of those older players I have mentioned doing in the squad?
