O’Loughlin to Skipper England

[josie andrews]

Sean O’Loughlin to captain England

Wigan captain to lead country in Pacific Test against Samoa

England face Samoa on Saturday, 10:40am BST kick-off

Wigan captain Sean O’Loughlin will lead England out as captain for the Pacific Test against Samoa on Saturday, May 6 (10.40am BST).

The skipper returns to the international fold having missed last year’s Four Nations series owing to injury.

Mick McMeeken and Chris McQueen both look set to debut whilst Zak Hardaker returns after a two-year absence and will start at centre. Chris Heighington returns to the starting 17 for the first time since playing against the Kiwis in the 2011 Four Nations.

Kevin Brown, a late call-up to the squad following an injury to George Williams, will partner with Luke Gale in the halves. They last played together against France in Avignon pre-Four Nations in October 2016.

“Samoa are a very good team – there’s a lot of top NRL players in their squad,” said Bennett.

“It’s not going to be easy for us; we weren’t looking for an easy game but we need to prove ourselves on Saturday. I’m really looking forward to it and I’m sure they are too because I know they’ve got a hard game in front of them.

“It’s been a really invaluable experience for all and essential to have all players here to prepare for what’s to come at the end of the year. It’s vital that the group spend time together and that I spend time with all the players during World Cup year. Some tough decisions were made when picking this team but this eight-day camp has been fantastic – the commitment shown has been second to none.

“Being over here bridges the gap between not playing for long periods as a national team and gives us an opportunity to sort out little issues which will enable us to hit the ground running in October.”

On the return of captain Sean O’Loughlin, who missed the Four Nations through injury, Bennett added: “I like the way he plays. He’s calm, a good professional and my type of player.”

England 17-man squad to play against Samoa (professional and community club in brackets):

Stefan Ratchford (Warrington Wolves, Wigan St Patricks)

Jermaine McGillvary (Huddersfield Giants, Deighton Juniors)

Kallum Watkins (Leeds Rhinos, Latchford Albion)

Zak Hardaker (Castleford Tigers, Featherstone Lions)

Ryan Hall (Leeds Rhinos, Oulton Raiders)

Kevin Brown (Warrington Wolves, Thatto Heath Crusaders)

Luke Gale (Castleford Tigers, Middleton Marauders)

Sam Burgess (South Sydney Rabbitohs, Dewsbury Moor)

Josh Hodgson (Canberra Raiders, East Hull)

James Graham (Canterbury Bulldogs, Blackbrook)

Mike McMeeken (Castleford Tigers, Staines Titans)

Elliott Whitehead (Canberra Raiders, West Bowling)

Sean O’Loughlin © (Wigan Warriors, Wigan St Patricks)

Chris Hill (Warrington Wolves, New Springs Lions)

Chris Heighington (Cronulla Sutherland Sharks, Umina Bunnies)

Chris McQueen (Gold Coast Titans, Wynnum Manly Seagulls)

Thomas Burgess (South Sydney Rabbitohs, Dewsbury Moor)

The game between England and Samoa will take place at Campbelltown Sports Stadium in Australia, with kick-off at 10:40am (BST). Fans who want to watch the game can register at live.rugby-league.com and can take advantage of the £3.49 early bird offer until 24 hours before kick-off.
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http://www.wiganwarriors.com/news/2017- ... Eb929Hp.99