Same here, I've no issue's with Wane, he might be a Wigan ••••••• but he know's how to win, he's happy to give young players a chance and wouldn't have his team being bullied by anyone. He's actually not the brain dead muppet we all like to think of him as either. And he's British.
Not for one minute am I saying he'd win us a series against the Aussie's, I don't think he would but I don't think I'd be embarrassed by him, his selections or his tactics given the better quality of players he would have. No doubt that sour faced dinosaur will still be in charge though.
Wane would have them fired up.
At least we would see a bit of fisty cuffs & he'd upset them a bit.
And I'm sorry but an Aussie coach & Aussie players in the team? No chance. Coote & Hastings are quality players but they are Australian. Bennett is Australian.
Honestly I'd be tempted to only pick SL players who are born in GB or Ireland & have a British coach. We need to get that rivalry back that was there in the in the past. It's diluted
Bennett is finished and he has been for a while.
Get Wane or Watson in. At least they’ll watch the super league players every week and might stop putting square pegs in round holes.
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100% mate, I can go with that, it's one of the few things the convicts have right. Don't play at home, don't play international. Not a chance our spineless lot would enforce that though, they can't even enforce the rules properly. I'd love us to create a division between us and the NRL.
I would have Wane but with the caveat NO MEDIA interviews. Watson as his no2 could do those. Bennett is awful just a pay day. At least the other Aussie years ago cared.
I've no problem qualifying players who were born overseas playing for us.
All other major sports in Britain - football, cricket, rah-rah - do this, and nobody blinks an eye. In the rah-rah game today, the starting team had 3 players only qualifying through (lax) residency rules, and the bench two who qualify through parent/grandparent. And if they win the final, will be feted as national heroes.
Aus & NZ RL teams both use players not born in Aus.
If we stick to only British/English born & bred players, then we hamstring ourselves. But then, I suspect some RL fans would only be happy if players come from the old Lancashire & Yaaarksher boundaries, speak like they come from the 19th century, and have a fondness for wearing flat caps.
To add, I think Bennett is garbage and his team plays bloody awful rugby. I'd not have problem with the shaven ape as England/GB coach.
It would suit Wane down to the ground I think. He would still have plenty time for his family, dogs etc but would be back in a league environment. He also endorses boring rugby however...
I do agree that the English based players are at a disadvantage. Ok, Watson etc can have their say but ultimately Bennett picks the team
AD perfectly put, i cant agree more with what you have said, tbh i dont care who is in charge but they have to at least watch the games the vast majority of the squad tend to play in, there is no way Bennett can watch games in this country, his NRL club position wont allow it. Look at other uk national sides, their head coaches watch the club games in this country, they are closer to the pulse of the game than Bennett is.
I think this type of discussion has polarised but misses the point.
It's a global world with much more travel and mixed heritage.
Personally I could call on both Canadian and Irish decent.
The closest I have come to Canada is having a pint of Labbats.
The Irish lineage is very different and very personal.
If the only game on offer this autumn was England Knight V Jamacia would
either Austin or Hastings been chomping at the bit to play "rep footy".
It is not always black and white. Heritage is a reality and cannot be ignored.
but is shouldn't be abused either.
Can't stop the spirits when they need you.
This life is more than just a read through.
Interesting point that.
Australia found it most difficult against GB when the off the cuff stuff was played. However, the game has changed now, defences are strong & most players at international level are tanks. So it could be that you have to win the physical battle to have a chance. If you get me?
What is doing my head in, is how adamant Bennett is that this squad is good enough & playing players out of position.
We are now a prop light, & are desperately short in the three quarters. Hardaker at centre doesn't work either. He isn't that good of a fullback anymore, never mind a centre
That's a good call about already have represented a home nation but I also feel the same about Austin & Hastings as I did when Rangi Chase got picked a few years back. Something doesn't feel right about the speed or lack of urgency with these picks. When you throw into the mix that all three play as pivots the chopping & changing won't help the team at all because they will need time to gel.