Warriors Keep Knights Places

[josie andrews]

England Knights coach Keiron Purtill has made five changes to the squad that defeated France last week for Saturday's clash with Cumbria at Whitehaven's Recreation Ground.

The Knights beat France 38-18 in Leigh their inaugural fixture last Saturday but Purtill has resisted the temptation to stick with a winning team.

"We've brought in a few fresh bodies," he said. "We had a good win against France and it's always good to get that first victory under your belt but we won't be resting on our laurels.

"We know Cumbria will be coming out to give us a tough game and we want to be firing on all cylinders.

"Cumbrians are very passionate about rugby league and when we visited a few local schools in the area today it was clear to see just how much the people of the area enjoy the sport.

"We're just as passionate about representing England and we want to create a legacy as the first ever Knights team and win every game we play in.

"Playing for your country is the highest honour you can achieve and these guys all want to stake their claim for a place in the senior side so they'll be going out ready to match whatever comes at them.

"[England coach] Steve McNamara has told these players that there is a chance for Four Nations representation if anyone in the senior squad gets injured or withdraws so it means a lot to everyone involved.

"We'll be cheering on the lads in Avignon - but we're fully focused on the game to come tomorrow as well."

Hull back-row forward Joe Westerman retains the captaincy and is joined by St Helens hooker Scott Moore, Leeds duo Zak Hardaker and Chris Clarkson, Warrington full-back Chris Riley and Bradford second rower James Donaldson, who missed out against the French.

Team: C Riley (Warrington); J Charnley (Wigan), Z Hardaker (Leeds), K Welham (Hull KR), J Broughton (Salford); R Myler (Warrington), L Gale (Harlequins); L Mossop (Wigan), S Moore (St Helens), P Clough (St Helens), C Clarkson (Leeds), J Westerman (Hull, capt), L Farrell (Wigan).

Subs: L Watts (Hull KR), M Smith (Salford), J Donaldson (Bradford), J Arundel (Castleford).

Cumbria include much-travelled forward Oliver Wilkes and his new Wakefield team-mate Kyle Amor and Hull winger Will Sharp.

They are without centre Scott McAvoy and second rower Spencer Miller after both withdrew through injury.

Workington supply eight of the 21-strong squad, while Barrow provide five and following the two withdrawals Whitehaven have contributed three.

Cumbria (from): Miller, Mossop, Low, Coward, Olstrum, Holt, Phillips, Whitehead (all Workington); Smith, Sice, Cullnean (all Whitehaven); Campbell, Larkin, Harrison, Butler, Finch (all Barrow); Wilkes (Wakefield), Sharp (Hull), Amor (Wakefield), (Leeds), Gardner (Widnes).

http://www.wiganwarriors.com/WContent.a ... &type=news