Jones-Bishop withdraws from England squad

Harlequins RL utility player Ben Jones-Bishop has withdrawn from the England fall-out squad after undergoing surgery on a shoulder injury.

The 22-year-old, who has just rejoined Leeds Rhinos after a season-long loan at Harlequins RL, was last week named as one of three Harlequins players in the squad that is preparing for the Four Nations and the Memorial Match against Cumbria to raise funds for the family of Garry Purdham.

“It’s a tough blow for Ben, he’s had a tremendous season at Harlequins and fully deserved his place in the fall-out squad,” said England coach Steve McNamara.

“He’s one of a group of talented young players in Engage Super League who have exciting international futures ahead of them.

“I’m sure that if Ben continues to work hard he’ll get another chance to be involved with England and I’m looking forward to working with him at some point between now and the Rugby League World Cup in 2013.”

The England fall-out squad so far is:

Tom Briscoe (Hull FC)
Jodie Broughton (Salford City Reds)
Sam Burgess (South Sydney)
Tony Clubb (Harlequins RL)
Jamie Langley (Bradford Bulls)
Andy Lynch (Bradford Bulls)
Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook (Harlequins RL)
Nick Scruton (Bradford Bulls)
Michael Shenton (Castleford Tigers)
Paul Sykes (Bradford Bulls)
Joe Westerman (Castleford Tigers)
Kirk Yeaman (Hull FC)

Further players will be added to England’s fall-out squad as teams are eliminated from the Engage Super League and NRL play-offs.

Steve McNamara will announce his 24-man squad for the Four Nations at a media conference on Monday October 4.