Rugby league webchat, with Christopher Irvine

Christopher Irvine, rugby league expert and the host of this blog, tackled the sport's big issues during a live webchat today.

As England prepare to face New Zealand in the Four Nations tomorrow, Chris was inundated with questions, made bold predictions and answered your queries on the future of rugby league.

When asked if he was optimistic about England's chances against the World Champions, he said: "The Kiwis are big, rough and tough and there's some good football in their side. They're proud World Cup holders and we're going to have to play awfully well, match them up front and hope that Tomkins and Eastmond can weave their magic. I'd say Kiwis by six points, unfortunately."

Chris also discussed the most memorable game he had ever seen and spoke at length about whether the sport was financially stable in the current climate. Scroll through the webchat to see Chris's thoughts on all the major issues. 

Comments

[Gazcam]

Sam Tomkins was the stand-out player against the Aussies, and in retrospect, we can all look back and see Tomkin's inclusion as a Tony Smith masterstroke. For me, he should have been included in the French game in preference to Myler. However, I think we need continuity in the half-backs, which we have never had for years now. Tony Smith should have made his decision on his half-back pairing, and stuck with it. Personally, I would have disagreed with his choice going for Myler, but it's his choice to make, and he should then allow them time to gel and learn each other's plays as the tournament progressed. Instead, Smith said that, it's Sam's turn this week! What? You get an international place against the Aussies because it's your turn? I thought that was only the basis by which you decide who is next on the swings! As I said, I would have picked Tomkins against France, and stuck with him for the Aussies, but having placed his bet with Myler in the first game, Smith should have also have stuck with him. The suggestion is that now, in the 3rd game of the tournament, we could be getting our 3rd pairing, this time of Myler/Tomkins. Make your decision Tony, and stick with it.

[St.Di]

Would love to have been involved in the live chat thingy but alas, at the time it all happened I was recovering from teaching a bunch of 8 year olds how to write a fantasy story ...

If the next one is scheduled for early evening time then I'm in!

Meanwhile, I have everything crossed that our new halfback pairing at the weekend can run those Kiwis ragged!

[Mark Thomas]

Who is your favourite player of all time? Mine was Ellery Hanly, followed by Martin Offiah and John Furguson (aussie winger). How about best game the final between Wigan and Hull 24-22 or something like.