Wowee, how things have changed since I compiled a squad to tour the Motherland at the end of the season. The good thing is that while many players have drifted out of contention thanks to mainly injuries, a few players have served up barn-storming performance to get themselves into contention with Jared Waerea-Hargreaves and Adam Blair both playing integral roles in the Roosters and Broncos, who are subsequently the hottest teams in the NRL.

Say the Kiwis left for England next Monday - here's my best 17.

Roger Tuivasa-Sheck - We all know what this guy can do and I'm coming to grips with the fact that I just compared him to Kane Williamson, without much hesitation though. He's amazing, but we will come to appreciated Tuivasa-Sheck a whole lot more on this tour as with no Shaun Johnson, Tuivasa-Sheck's ball-playing ability will shine. It was the biggest change in his move from wing to fullback but he has now mastered it and throws a final pass like Darius Boyd and Billy Slater. Tuivasa-Sheck can pass and is easily the hardest player to get your hands on when he runs the footy, how do you stop him?

Mathew Duffie - There are wing spots up for grabs with Shaun Kenny-Dowall's immediate future uncertain and Manu Vatuvei battling injury - stay home lads, rest up. Duffie was a Kiwi before enduring numerous injury set-backs but has re-started his NRL career with a double against the Titans and then again against the Sharks. A lethal aerial threat, Duffie is a slick runner as well.

Steve Matai - "Mate, it's Stevie K here. We need you, there aren't many centres up to par and we're a bit too young as well. You are beat up and haven't been seen near a Kiwis jersey in ages but please?" Matai is still a beast.

Peta Hiku - I don't think it's a coincidence that Hiku is flourish where Matai and Jamie Lyon have also flourished. A lock-in Kiwis selection for as long as he wants it/is available.

Jordan Kahu/Curtis Rona - I can't split these two and it would literally be a coin toss to decide who takes the field. Rona scores tries for fun and is a quality aerial threat while Kahu just does everything reasonably well.

Kieran Foran - Is always a certainty, but he's in great form as well.

Benji Marshall - No Shaun Johnson and I just want someone to pass the ball, kick the ball into the corners and run every so often. Marshall doesn't need to overplay his hand as he'll have Tuivasa-Sheck to shovel the ball to but he also keeps the triple threat alive and well - stopping three play-makers isn't easy.

Jared Waerea-Hargreaves - You simply can't keep this man out of a Kiwis jersey, such has been his form while a few others like Sam Moa and Ben Matulino have slipped (Moa's had an injury fair play). When he's running like he's being chased by a lion, he's extremely difficult to stop and he'll maintain the Kiwis' power game.

Issac Luke - Gotta have him through the middle.

Jesse Bromwich - Has had a couple lean weeks but we know what he can do. His recipe of metres mixed with off-loads is perfect for this team. 

Tohu Harris - Same old, but Harris has been promoted from the bench to a starting spot as I have dropped Simon Mannering (Mannering looks tired and while he's the captain, he would benefit from a break and we have the troops to cover his loss. I don't really see this happening but it's my team so yeah). Harris is a rangey character with plenty of skills who like Kahu just does everything reasonably well.

Kevin Proctor - Standard.

Jason Taumalolo - Power, footwork, standard.

Bench

Alex Glenn - One of the more consistent Kiwi performers this season who simply gets the job done every week. He adds bit more speed and mobility compared to our forward pack of beastly beings, while Glenn is also capable of playing hooker as well so some utility value there as well. 

Adam Blair - Gotta have him. Didn't need to have him last time but he's a seasoned-vet who is in such good form that he can add to this Kiwis team. The experts say that Blair's value comes in defence where he's always busy and he is always a willing carrier of the footy, but his off-loading ability will also help spark the Kiwis.

Ben Matulino - Slipping to the bench, Matulino has still been the Warriors' best player this season and deserves his spot on the bench. He is primarily on the bench though because if things need to get funky, Matulino could be put on to play on the edge which he does well.

Martin Taupau - Power, footwork, standard.

Greg Eastwood - 18th man, simply not enough room for Eastwood but should someone get injured, Eastwood can do a great job through the middle.