England boss Shaun Wane names squad for Tonga series as Warrington Wolves, StvHelens & Wigan Warriors dominate

[josie andrews]

Predicted England team to face Tonga in game one with new halfback combination

We take a look at how England might look on Sunday

Now Shaun Wane has named his final 24-man squad for the Tonga series. The focus turns to St Helens, as we take a look at what England’s starting 17 this Sunday in game one.

Full-Back: Jack Welsby: With Sam Tomkins now retired, Welsby is England’s full-back for the next decade or so. Time to make the jersey his own.

Wing: Dom Young. He’s had a fantastic season in the NRL

Centre: Harry Newman. Shaun Wane is putting his trust in the Leeds Rhinos enigma.
England aren’t blessed with many centre options so Newman will play a significant role.

Centre: Toby King. It’s a shame his Wigan teammate Jake Wardle isn’t available for selection, but King will want to continue his fine 2023 with a series win for his nation.

Wing: Tommy Makinson & Tom Johnstone will be fighting for a place on the other wing but we feel the St Helens flyer will get the nod.

Five eighth: Mikey Lewis: with captain George Williams suspended, the HKR playmaker should make his debut on Sunday.


Half Back: Harry Smith: The only ‘general’ style halfback at Wane’s disposal before Williams returns. He’s been fantastic this season, and he and Lewis are an exciting partnership.

Prop: Tom Burgess: England’s leading middle, Burgess, is the last to carry his family name wearing the white jersey. He knows the Tongan pack inside out, and that will be key

Hooker: Daryl Clarke: With no Jez Litten, it’s down to Clark and Danny Walker to control the ruck. The more experienced hooker should start.

Prop: Tyler Dupree: Dupree’s sensational rise in the game will reach another height this series. He has to set the time from the get-go, and he will be up against some formidable opponents.

Second Row: John Bateman: His Wests Tigers side had a poor NRL season, but Bateman is still worthy of starting in the back-row.

Second Row: Elliot Whitehead: Probably his final time playing for his country, Whitehead has been a great servant for England and deserves three last outings.

Loose Forward; Victor Radley: The Sydney Roosters enforcer is back in the UK, ready to earn more England caps. An elite talent, Radley is the 13 every day of the week.

Bench: Danny Walker: Against a big Tongan pack, two hookers are crucial. Walker will be on the bench and will be used when the big men are fatiguing.

Bench: Matty Lees: Every international team needs an aggressive middle. Matty Lees will bring that and won’t take a backwards step when representing his nation.

Bench: Mike McMeekin: He or Dupree could start. Either way, the Catalans Dragons battering ramp will be critical for England this series.

Bench: Morgan Knowles: Shaun Wane has plenty of gusto on the bench, finished off by Knowles, who can replace Radley at 13 or in the front row.


https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/sport/ru ... y-27926374

[Barney841]

I’d have Knowles ahead of Bateman

[Stanfax]

George Burgess? Shurely Tom?!

[morley pie eater]

Williams out of squad following failed 2nd appeal against 2 match ban.

That leaves Harry Smith and Mikey Lewis in the halves, by my reckoning. Wayne could bring in another half-back, otherwise Golden Boy Welsby is the only cover.

[up the junction]

Golden boys Been made captain !
I think Waneys lost the plot .

[josie andrews]

Golden boys Been made captain !
I think Waneys lost the plot .

I know!

Seen them all today down at Robin Park training. Went down to take some pictures of the four trophies to send to Pieeater.

Spoke to George, Bateman, Harry, Morgan Knowles Burgess Briers & Waney

[moto748]

10 minute delay on KO doesn't sound good. The crowd can't be that big. Can only assume that the fine weather has meant more than anticipated number of walk-ups (assuming the ticket office at Saints is open).

[moto748]

Nice score England!

[jobo]

So far, so good. Thought the Tonga pack looked fearsome but our lads are handling them well.

[moto748]

Welsby MIA for Tonga score.