We need a mid season friendly which will be competitive, whilst also playing as many English, Welsh, Scottish and Irish players as possible. There are a few options:
England v Exciles (only 17 English players in the contest)
England v Wales (non competitive)
England v France (Too easy)
Lancashire v Yorkshire (eligibility issues)
However, England vs Great Britain would be interesting. The rules could be:
- GB squad, 4 nations and 17 players with a minimum of 4 players from England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales with 2 extra players of any nationality.
- England squad get first pick of the English players
- All the players have to be based in the UK (no NRL players)
The teams could be:
Great Britain
1) Scott Grix - Ireland
2) Russell - Scotland
3) Hardaker - England
4) Ratchford - England
5) Kear - Wales
6) Brough - Scotland
7) Chase - England
Craig Kopczak - Wales
9) McIlorum - England
10) Flower - Wales
11) Bateman - England
12) Ferguson - Scotland
13) Simon Grix - Ireland
14) Sneyd - Ireland
15) O'Carroll - Ireland
16) Dudson - Wales
17) Addy - Scotland
England
1) Lomax
2) Charnley
3) Watkins
4) Cudjoe
5) Hall
6) M.Smith
7) Myler
Hill
9) Roby
10) Crabtree
11) Ferres
12) Farrell
13) O'Loughlin
14) Burrow
15) Singleton
16) LMS
17) Ablett
The selectors would then tailor the match to make it even and competative, with good game time for British players. What do you think?
