Re: England v Tonga : Fri Oct 20, 2023 2:21 pm  

Tonga: Latu Fainu (Manly Sea Eagles), Addin Fonua-Blake (New Zealand Warriors), Moeaki Fotuaika (Gold Coast Titans), Tyson Frizell (Newcastle Knights), Siliva Havili (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Will Hopoate, Konrad Hurrell (both St Helens), Isaiya Katoa (Dolphins), Eliesa Katoa (Melbourne Storm), Felise Kaufusi (Dolphins), Keaon Koloamatangi (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Tolutau Koula (Manly Sea Eagles), Tui Lolohea (Huddersfield Giants), Haumole Olakau'atu (Manly Sea Eagles), Will Penisini (Parramatta Eels), Hame Sele (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Mosese Suli (St George Illawarra Dragons), Tevita Tatola, Dion Teaupa (both South Sydney Rabbitohs), Starford Toa (Wests Tigers), Daniel Tupou, Siua Wong (both Sydney Roosters).

Re: England v Tonga : Fri Oct 20, 2023 3:46 pm  

just_browny wrote:

Saints pulled out Walmsley, Lomax and Percival with supposed injuries. Such a deplorable, insular club.

I selfishly don’t blame them.
I see no point in Wire risking our players, to play in a friendly, knowing full well that they will not be selected to play in the next World Cup in 2 years.

Last season Wire filled almost half of England team in the friendly vs France.
I can recall one of those lads playing for England in the World Cup semi v Samoa.

Re: England v Tonga : Fri Oct 20, 2023 6:12 pm  

Percival broke his sternum against Catalans and Lomax played through a big chunk of the end of the season with broken ribs. Both genuinely shouldn't be playing.

Walmsley is a more interesting one. If this was a World Cup, I imagine he would be. But having just come back from a serious injury, he wasn't fit for the last two games he played in and it showed. He could play for England, but with no warm-ups to get him match fit, what's the point? Obviously from a Saints perspective we could have done with him not playing so he's fully fit for the start of next season. Also a case with him that given his age he's unlikely to be at the next World Cup, if there is one, anyway.

Re: England v Tonga : Sat Oct 21, 2023 2:05 pm  

It's a friendly blood some young uns give them a go..fwiw is anyone really interested in this game

Re: England v Tonga : Sat Oct 21, 2023 3:44 pm  

sir adrian morley wrote:

It's a friendly blood some young uns give them a go..fwiw is anyone really interested in this game

If I’m to be honest I’m only watching it because there is nothing better to do at that time. Yes agree should be looking at players for the future if there is to be an international future.

Re: England v Tonga : Mon Oct 23, 2023 7:43 pm  

Just getting round to watching this and i LOVE something Wane just said.
He was asked "Are you forgiving of youngsters if they make mistakes?"
Wane- "No, i want them to play, i need to win".
I'm hoping this is an attitude Burgess can instill across the whole team

Re: England v Tonga : Mon Oct 23, 2023 9:37 pm  

Or thane wrote:

Just getting round to watching this and i LOVE something Wane just said.
He was asked "Are you forgiving of youngsters if they make mistakes?"
Wane- "No, i want them to play, i need to win".
I'm hoping this is an attitude Burgess can instill across the whole team

It’s why Wigan are the best at bringing youngsters through.

Re: England v Tonga : Tue Oct 24, 2023 9:49 am  

karetaker wrote:

It’s why Wigan are the best at bringing youngsters through.

Indeed. Slightly OT but I watched a Newcastle Knights podcast with Brian Mcdermott from earlier in the year and he was saying how he had so many leaders at Leeds during the years he was there and won the 4 grand finals. He goes on to say Jamie Peacock would often stand up infront of the players and tell them all what he is going to do in this game, whether it was to take 20 carries. or smash a couple of opposition players etc. Afterwards i wondered who in our team right now would stand up in the dressing round and say that? and then back it up on the field? i can't think of anybody..

Re: England v Tonga : Tue Oct 24, 2023 11:24 am  

I reckon the eyes are the most important thing in a changing room. Means more than words. If the same words/rant/bullshit are said every week most players switch off & stay in their own bubble.
Words to individuals mean a lot though.