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War Of The Roses Return?! Yorkshire Line-up

There’s talk about having more international games in the sport, but what about a return of the War of the Roses?!

The best of the best home grown talent from either county facing off against one or another would surely increase tenacity and thereby the quality that would make our sport over here more entertaining to watch right?!

Take a look at two potential line-ups brought to you on what a present War between the two counties would look like, first up is Yorkshire!

Yorkshire line-up

Full-back – Jamie Shaul

Starting at full-back for Yorkshire is Hull’s home grown Jamie Shaul.

Shaul has been superb in recent years for the Airlie Birds, securing a place in the 2016 Dream Team and even an international appearance against France this year.

An obvious choice going by his excellent speed and support play as he would certainly give Yorkshire plenty of attacking options.

Wingers – Jermaine McGillvary & Tom Johnstone

The wing three-quarters sees England regular Jermaine McGillvary joined by Wakefield try machine Tom Johnstone.

McGillvary has caused plenty of havoc at both domestic and international level during his Super League tenure, scoring plenty of tries as well as busting open the defence countless times, making him a truly feared individual.

As is Johnstone with his devastating pace and his superb ability to finish set plays has helped Wakefield become the Super League dark horses from pretenders in no time at all.

Centres – Michael Shenton & Ash Handley

Another obvious choice as both Castleford and Leeds captains Michael Shenton and Ash Handley line-up at centre.

Shenton has led by example for the Tigers, enjoying a wonderful 2017 where he helped Greg Eden to a Super League record 41 tries as well as the West Yorkshire side to an Old Trafford appearance.

Handley meanwhile, has slowly come through the Rhinos’ academy system and does have shoes to fill in Ryan Hall’s absence. But the local has proved rather adaptable between centre and wing and could prove so again here!

Stand-off – Jake Connor

His skill with ball in hand and accurate kicking have bewildered many and he would certainly apply such traits in such a fixture here.

Scrum-half – Luke Gale

Rounding off the back line is the 2017 Man of Steel Luke Gale.

Gale may have had a 2018 season ravaged by injury but on his day, can cause trouble for any opposition.

His kicking game, ability to combine with his pack has helped him surge Castleford up the table in recent years and though unlucky not to partner Connor for England, both would provide Lancashire with plenty of problems respectively as they possess the complete package between them!

Props – Liam Watts & Scott Taylor

The front row would be best off seeing two former team mates in Liam Watts and Scott Taylor together.

Watts has certainly become of the Super League’s best, with his ability to break the line as well as being able to find an offload whenever he pleases.

But similar superlatives befall Taylor as he has broken through defences at will, becoming Hull’s main man when going forward as well as earning him international selection too.

Back to back Wembley winning experience between the pair who would certainly have an impact on Yorkshire in such a clash.

Hooker – Daryl Clark

In between both juggernauts is speedster Daryl Clark.

The 2014 Man of Steel would be an excellent choice for such a game, his speed and tenacity from the ruck has helped Castleford and then Warrington remain tough teams to beat in recent years.

No doubt he would continue such form against Lancashire and would be a key cog to help Yorkshire win the war.

Second-row – Oliver Holmes & Dale Ferguson

The back row sees Castleford’s Oliver Holmes and Huddersfield’s Dale Ferguson selected.

Holmes has suffered back luck through injury recently, but when out on that field, is able to cause havoc for any defence he comes against with his strong running, especially his “big don’t argues!”

Ferguson would produce similar form, arguably being one of Huddersfield’s best forwards last season that helped them back up the table after being around the bottom four.

Loose-forward – Adam Milner

Completing the line-up is Castleford unsung hero Adam Milner.

Milner faced some scrutiny, having to fill Clark’s shoes when he departed but since has helped steer the Tigers to become one of Super League’s title contenders in recent years.

He owes his excellent defending as well as speed from the ruck plus the ability to rotate between hooker and loose forward to keep the Tigers’ form on track.

Substitute Backs – Ben Jones-Bishop & Danny Brough

The bench sees Wakefield duo Ben Jones-Bishop and Danny Brough chosen.

Jones-Bishop has always been highly consistent, scoring plenty of tries during his career but also has characteristics such as speed and power when having ball in hand.

Brough has oozed class throughout his playing time, earning captaincy at both club and international level, he is able to turn any game around with his leadership and on point kicking game.

Substitute Forwards – Alex Walmsley & Joe Westerman

Rounding things off are Saints’ juggernaut Alex Walmsley and Hull handler Joe Westerman.

Walmsley has been one of the league’s top metre makers in recent years so a fairly obvious choice for that alone.

Westerman meanwhile would provide the team with further attacking options, able to sneak in offloads whenever he fancies, something any team needs.

Lancashire team to follow!

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