Stand-offs queueing up to prove their dominance for England

Maybe not a chance, more guaranteed. It was as inevitable as hearing the strains of God Save The Queen before kick-off.

They were all at it. Andy Farrell, Paul Sculthorpe, Kevin Sinfield, each and everyone an outstanding No 13 with their clubs but, for whatever reason, having to switch when it came to country.

I'm sure Sean O'Loughlin must have done likewise at some stage too.

The main reason was because there was such a dearth of quality stand-offs available to a procession of national coaches. That and possibly a natural urge to contain rather than create.

Iestyn Harris's sojourn to Welsh rugby union left the role of architect under-manned for a large period before Danny McGuire and Leon Pryce emerged to take over. It is still a travesty that none of those in charge of Great Britain or England – whichever guise – ever turned to the wondrous Lee Briers but that is another matter altogether.

However, a few years down the line and suddenly the landscape has changed markedly. Now England stand-offs are queueing up to prove they can dominate. Messrs Sinfield and O'Loughlin can rest easy in the knowledge they can be left to do what they do best.

The obvious stand-out

stand-off is Sam Tomkins who has shown no signs of suffering second-season syndrome with either Wigan or England. Far from it; the impish talent has actually further developed his game adding plenty to the natural, instinctive skills everyone marvelled at during last season's breakthrough.

As he is only 21, contemplating what feats Tomkins can achieve in the game is frightening but what about all the rest?

There are now four real candidates for the role – Tomkins, Leeds's McGuire, Pryce at St Helens and Huddersfield's Kevin Brown. Throw in a rich crop of scrum-halves – Kyle Eastmond, Richie Myler and Rob Burrow – and rarely has England had it so good for inventive class.

It is a fact not lost on England coach Steve McNamara who will have a difficult task in leaving some of those out when they fly Down Under later this year.

The predatory McGuire is as potent as ever while Pryce's vintage performance which helped Saints defeat Wigan last week only served to remind everyone of what he is capable.

Almost forgotten since failing at the 2008 World Cup, and in the shadow of Tomkins's rapid progression, the 28-year-old remains one of the most gifted players in the country.

McNamara is a fan having harboured hopes of bringing him back to Bradford ever since taking over at Odsal in 2006 and Pryce could yet enjoy an international renaissance if he has the hunger.

The wily Brown has evolved into a quality half-back though and did his chances no harm after his surprise call earlier this month, quietly impressing on his England debut against France even if over-shadowed by Tomkins's four try exploits.

He has a clear ability to craft openings and his distribution quality is first class.

So, from one extreme to the other, McNamara currently has an embarrassment of riches.

Now, with that issue sorted, all England needs to do is find a strapping centre in the mould of Paul Newlove.