When we look at our options for the England squad, the back row is always highlighted as a weak areas in recent years. But, looking forward to the 2017 world cup, will the back row be one of our strongest areas?

The 2014 4 Nations squad contained:
Tomkins (2icon_cool.gif, O'Loughlin (32), Whitehead (25), Ferres (29), Westerman (25), Farrell (24).

Then we have these five youngsters who I'd expect to be in contention for a spot in the squad versus the Kiwi's. All five have really impressed me this year (Greenwood before his injury):
Stevie Ward (21)
Joe Greenwood (22)
Joe Wardle (should he move from Scotland) (23)
Ben Currie (20)
John Bateman (21)

And some other old heads knocking about SL:
Kirmond (29), Ablett (29), Westwood (33), Harrison (27), McCarthy-Scarsbrook (29), Wilkin (31).

I dont really see why it is perceived as a weakness

When fit, a backrow of Tomkins/Ferris, Whitehead & O'Loughlin is very good. throw in some of the other players you mentioned if they are on form and i dont see a problem

Probably a bit of club bias but I think Bateman is turning into a cracking player and will be a regular in the England setup maybe this year but definately next

Probably club bias on my part too, but I would say the same about Stevie Ward.

These 2 plus Greenwood all look to have great futures ahead of them.

It's not terrible but it still is a comparative weakness vs Mannering/Taumalolo/Taylor/Proctor/Harris/Eastwood/Ma'u

Forgot Taupau/Thompson/Glenn/Frank-Paul. Kiwis really do have backrowers coming out of their wazoo.

Bateman is one of those players who stand out in Super League, but would disappear at international level. He's too small to be an international backrower. The same goes for Farrell, but he doesn't even stand out in SL.

Ward, Greenwood and Currie look like the future, although I'm not convinced Currie wouldn't make an international centre.

Bateman has been very impressive when ive seen him this year, got a wicked side step on him and puts in a load of tackles, not surprised the NRL clubs are taking a close look at him

Wardle also coming into his own in the 2nd row now after switching from centre, but hes with Scotland for now with Brough.

And you know this how?









Have you even watched Wigan lately?

I don't need to 'know' it. It's an opinion. You are of course entitled to disagree with it. I have no objection to you being wrong.



No, has he turned into the ginger Hanley over the last month or so?

Ben Currie's played for Ireland before now, not that it makes much of a difference.

Greg Bird isn't the biggest player but makes up for it with heart and passion,two things Bateman has in abundance.

He's stronger than he looks and is awesome in defence,absorbs a lot go forward from much bigger guys than himself when tackling.

Bateman doesn't play with any fear and plays the man not the reputation which is exactly what you want against the Aussies and Kiwis, his battles with Jamie Peacock when he was only 18/19 proves this.

He will play for England and will do a very good job too.

Never mind just play for England, I reckon Bateman could be Captain in a few years.