Thomas the Tank for England!

[mightymouse]

Interesting article on back page of the Merc

Thomas is looking to play for England once he has been resident for 3 years

Might slot into the back row after Easter has hung up his boots and compliment Wood and croft rather nicely!

[Bill W (2)]

Has Johnno wispered in ear?

[mightymouse]

I think it seems more like Thomas has a megaphone in Johno's ear!

[BJ.]

Methinks a certain Mr Crane might have a say in the matter as well.

[bwightman]

This is going to be the hottest topic on the board...in another 2 1/2 years.

One of the top ten world players not to be capped. I hope he becomes an international!

[4071]

I'd hope that by the time he is eligible, England would have other options.

If we're relying on a 31-year old New Zealander in 2.5 years' time, then that would be a terrible indictment of the back row resources in England.

[Will S]

Big fan of TTT but not too keen on the idea of handing out an England first cap to a 31 year old New Zealender.

I must admit I do feel the residency qualification is exploited a bit too much. I have no problem with players like Hartley or Manu, guys who have basically grown up here, coming through in to the England set up but I do wince when seeing players like Flutey and Hape don the English Rose. It shouldn't be the case that if you're not good enough to play for your own country you can then take your pick.

[tigerburnie]

He said this when he signed for us,lets face it,if that's what's motivating him to play for us the way he does,then more power to his elbow(and the rest of him).After all NZ is a former colony of ours,so he's eligble

[old one eye]

As long as he keeps playing as he is for tigers for the next three years its got to be good news for us.

[MurphysLaw]

I think TTE has been a great signing, and he has made a huge impact in his first season over here.
He runs very good lines, and makes good breaks, and always gains hard yardage going forward. However,imo to be considered as an international, he would still need to up his work rate with his defence, and for a big man he does occasionally fall off tackles.
Don't get me wrong, I am a fan, and I think he will be even better for us next season.

[Blabyboy]

this is a seriously dodgy subject and we will all have a difference of opinion about the 'englishness' of players, ma i throw in a few names from the world of english sport to get the debate bubbling,
mike catt
andrew strause
hape
fourie
john trott
alan lamb (correct me if im wrong on that one)
zola bud ?
henry something who played for wigan whos name i forget who wasn't that great for england anyway,
ok guys im struggling now, any help ?

[GT1]

Kevin Pieterson
Tony Grieg
Lennox Lewis
Robin Smith

[Blabyboy]

oh, good ones, what about greg rusedski !!!

[Blabyboy]

and for the recored, i'd rather have ttt than greg !

[GT1]

Manu is an Englishman --- now
No difference to ttte
Joe Bugner
Matt le Tissier
Graham le Saux
still thinking