SHAUN Wane believes this England squad has what it takes to tame Tonga – despite several absentees.
St Helens’ Jonny Lomax joins Brisbane’s Herbie Farnworth on the injury list, while clubmate Alex Walmsley has just recovered from a hamstring problem.
Leigh’s Robbie Mulhern has been rewarded for club form with England place against TongaSWPIX.COM
But emerging talent like Warrington pair Danny Walker and Matty Ashton, Hull KR’s Mikey Lewis and Wigan’s Tyler Dupree and Harry Smith have made it.
Leigh’s Robbie Mulhern has also capped a fine season, for him and his club, with a call-up, while Tom Johnstone may be a one cap wonder no more after 27 tries for Catalans earned him selection.
From last year’s World Cup squad, Mike Cooper’s knee injury and Joe Batchelor’s hamstring strain see them unavailable while Wigan’s Kai Pearce-Paul is also out – Rugby Football League chiefs say there is ‘strong medical evidence to support those decisions.’
Salford trio Andy Ackers, Marc Sneyd and Kallum Watkins miss out and Sam Tomkins has retired.
Wigan bound prop Luke Thompson has also not made the 24-man party, along with Leeds’ Mikolaj Oledzki and Hull KR veteran Ryan Hall.
However, Wane – whose side faces the Pacific islanders at St Helens on Sunday before heading to Huddersfield and Leeds – “I’m really pleased with the 24 players coming into camp.
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“All of the players included have impressed me throughout their respective Super League and NRL campaigns and are worthy of representing their country.
“We’ve got a real strong mix of experience and youth combining players who featured in last year’s World Cup, this year’s mid-season international and some who are returning to the international frame.
“My message to the fans now is, ‘Come out and get behind this team in St Helens, Huddersfield and Leeds in the coming weeks!’”
Wane believes his squad has what it takes, despite several absenteesSWPIX.COM
Five NRL-based players, winger Dom Young – the NRL’s leading try-scorer in his last season with Newcastle Knights – John Bateman, Tom Burgess, Victor Radley and Elliott Whitehead – have made it.
Skipper George Williams will find out how much he will be involved at second appeal against a ban tonight.
ENGLAND SQUAD TO FACE TONGA
Matty Ashton (Warrington Wolves), John Bateman (Wests Tigers), Tom Burgess (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Daryl Clark, Ben Currie (both Warrington Wolves), Tyler Dupree, Liam Farrell (both Wigan Warriors), Chris Hill (Huddersfield Giants), Tom Johnstone (Catalans Dragons), Toby King (Wigan Warriors), Morgan Knowles, Matty Lees (both St Helens), Mikey Lewis (Hull KR), Tommy Makinson (St Helens), Mike McMeeken (Catalans Dragons), Robbie Mulhern (Leigh Leopards), Harry Newman (Leeds Rhinos), Victor Radley (Sydney Roosters), Harry Smith (Wigan Warriors), Danny Walker (Warrington Wolves), Jack Welsby (St Helens), Elliott Whitehead (Canberra Raiders), George Williams (Warrington Wolves), Dom Young (Newcastle Knights)
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