England Academy team named for first Test

Correspondent 29 Jul 2016 3:11 PM

England Academy coach Andy Kelly has selected his 17-man squad to represent their country when they take on Australian Schoolboys on July 31 at Redcliffe’s Dolphin Oval, Redcliffe.

The squad are into their third week in Australia and have been preparing well on the Gold Coast at the Super Sports Centre in Runaway Bay.

Last week saw all players take to the field in a warm-up against Penrith Panthers at Pepper Stadium – England ran out 28-22 winners and Kelly knew selection would be hard this week.

“I’ve got a squad of 23 fantastic players, selection is always going to be difficult when everyone is determined to play,” Kelly said.

“We’ve looked at this game, it’s the first Test against Australia and we want to get off to the best start and make sure we’re not the team under the pump going into next week.

“It’s going to be tough and tense out there on Sunday. We’ll be going stride for stride and blow for blow making sure we’re the more composed team.”

Fans wanting to see England in action against Australian Schoolboys can see the game live from 5.00am via an NRL stream here.

England Academy 17-man squad (professional club and community club in brackets):

Lewis Heckford (Wigan Warriors, Stanley Rangers)

Liam Paisley (Wigan Warriors, Dalton)

Liam Walsh (Widnes Vikings, Halton and Farnworth Hornets)

Joe Wardill (City of Hull Academy, Beverley Braves)

Matthew Costello (St Helens, Orrell St James)

Morgan Smith (Warrington Wolves, Stanley Rangers)

Rob Fairclough (St Helens, Blackbrook Royals)

Matthew English (Huddersfield Giants, Stanley Rangers)

Josh Ganson (Wigan Warriors, Blackbrook Royals)