Adrian Morley selects his starting props for England ahead of World Cup

Adrian Morley is confident in England’s forward pack ahead of the World Cup and has shared who his starting front-rowers would be. 

Head coach Shaun Wane will be without St Helens forward Alex Walmsley due to injury, who would have been one of the first names in England’s 24-man squad.

Morley, 45, made 30 appearances for Great Britain and 23 for England, and has picked his starting props for the national side.

England open the World Cup campaign on October 15 against Samoa at Newcastle’s St James’ Park before facing France and Greece.

“Walmsley is the best front-rower without doubt in the Super League. But they’ve got (Luke) Thompson coming from the NRL and (Mikolaj) Oledzki is one of the best props in Super League. So, even though it’s a big loss, I think we’re okay for numbers in that position,” Morley said. 

St Helens’ Matty Lees, Wigan’s Mike Cooper and Canberra’s Ryan Sutton are expected to be named in England’s 24-man squad. Wane will reveal his team for the tournament in Worsley on Friday morning.

Adrian Morley backs Andy Ackers for England

Morley also expects his home-town club Salford to be well represented after Paul Rowley’s side reached the semi-finals of the Super League competition.

The former prop forward has backed hooker Andy Ackers to make the squad, having impressed in 2022 with the Red Devils.

“Andy Ackers had a fantastic finish to the season so he did himself no harm,” Morley said. “Although I know the hooking position is really strong for England.

“Kallum Watkins has had a new lease of life in the second-row. He’s done enough as well and Marc Sneyd. He has played a huge part in Salford’s revival. If he was in there, you couldn’t argue against his selection.”

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