England Knights squad see Leeds, Wigan and Huddersfield lead the way

Got something to discuss about RL in general? Then this is the place to post it.
Post Reply
josie andrews
Posts: 35575
Joined: Sun Jun 10, 2007 10:17 pm
Location: Wigan
Contact:

England Knights squad see Leeds, Wigan and Huddersfield lead the way

Post by josie andrews »

Paul Anderson has named a 27-man squad, with almost half of those included coming from the Rhinos, Warriors and Giants.

Wigan, Leeds and Huddersfield lead the way in terms of representation in the latest England Knights squad, after Paul Anderson named a 27-man group ahead of the anticipated return to action for the side later this year.

Talks are underway for the Knights to play several fixtures in 2021, after they were a victim of the sport's large-scale hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic last year. The Knights squad will also link up with Shaun Wane's senior side throughout the year, with nine Super League clubs represented in Anderson's squad.

Wigan have the most players included, with five: Harry Smith, Morgan Smithies, Oliver Partington, Ethan Havard and Liam Marshall. Leeds and Huddersfield then follow with four selections each in Anderson's squad. The Rhinos inclusions are Alex Mellor - who earns a first call-up - Mikolaj Oledzki, Kruise Leeming and Cameron Smith, while the Giants are represented by Matty English, Jake Wardle, Darnell McIntosh and Oliver Wilson.

“Through the Knights programme we’re investing in the future of England Rugby League," Anderson said. "The Knights is part of a performance pathway from schoolboy level upwards and I am excited about the prospect of working with the players who have reached this stage of their development. My job is to prepare them for the next step – the senior international team.

People scrutinising the squad with a 1-17 scenario in mind will be wasting their time. In the Knights setup, we’ll be focusing on helping players make the transition from domestic to international competition, which means exposing them to the critical differences between what they experience day-in and day-out with their clubs and what they can expect as England internationals. The Knights is about developing talent, preparing well and competing hard.

For some players the chance to represent the senior side may come at RWLC2021, for others it might be 2025. Shaun is very clear about what he wants and expects from the Knights, and I’m very clear about supporting him.”

Castleford Tigers, St Helens and Warrington Wolves each have three players in the squad, with the remainder coming from Catalans Dragons, Hull FC and Hull Kingston Rovers. Joe Cator, Jordan Lane and Jacques O'Neill are the other new faces earning their first call-up.

England Knights squad:

Matty Ashton, Rob Butler (both Warrington Wolves),

Tom Davies (Catalans Dragons),

Matty English (Huddersfield Giants),

Joe Cator (Hull FC)

Ethan Havard (Wigan Warriors),

Jordan Lane (Hull FC),

George Lawler (Hull KR),

Matty Lees (St Helens),

Kruise Leeming (Leeds Rhinos),

Darnell McIntosh (Huddersfield Giants),

Liam Marshall (Wigan Warriors),

Alex Mellor, Mikolaj Oledzki (both Leeds Rhinos),

Jacques O’Neill (Castleford Tigers),

Oliver Partington (Wigan Warriors),

Danny Richardson (Castleford Tigers),

Aaron Smith (St Helens),

Cameron Smith (Leeds Rhinos),

Harry Smith, Morgan Smithies (both Wigan Warriors),

Jake Trueman (Castleford Tigers),

Danny Walker (Warrington Wolves),

Jake Wardle (Huddersfield Giants),

Jack Welsby (St Helens),

Matt Whitley (Catalans Dragons),

Oliver Wilson (Huddersfield Giants).

https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk ... d-20476590
Anyone can support a team when it is winning, that takes no courage.
But to stand behind a team, to defend a team when it is down and really needs you,
that takes a lot of courage. #18thMan
Post Reply