Big runs rested by England
England coach Steve McNamara has made five changes to his team for the second game against the Exiles, with Sam Tomkins and Kevin Sinfield amongst those missing out.
McNamara has opted to give some of his young squad members a chance, meaning that Sinfield and Tomkins, alongside Ryan Hall, Sean O’Loughlin and Rangi Chase, stand aside from the first game, which England won 18-10 at Langtree Park.
In to the squad come Stefan Ratchford, Matty Smith and Jodie Broughton, after impressing for the England Knights side against Ireland, while there is also a place for St Helens half-back Jonny Lomax.
There is also an enforced change to the squad, following the retirement of captain Jamie Peacock, although McNamara insists he is in no rush to appoint a successor.
He said: “The second Exiles game gives me the opportunity to see some of the players that have been part of the Elite Training Squad and the England Knights programme in what should be a physical contest against a very good side,” said McNamara.
“Stefan (Ratchford), Matty (Smith) and Jodie (Broughton) were excellent for the Knights against Ireland last month and deserve their call up to the senior squad. I’m looking forward to seeing their next phase of development and how they adapt in the elite squad.
“I have a number of options in respect of the new captain for England and I’m in no hurry to make an announcement.”
England face the Exiles at Huddersfield’s Galpharm Stadium on July 4th.
Carl Ablett, Leeds Rhinos, Hunslet Parkside
Ryan Atkins, Warrington Wolves, Stanningley
Tom Briscoe, Hull FC, Featherstone Lions
Danny Brough, Huddersfield Giants, Eastmoor Dragons
Jodie Broughton, Salford City Reds, Queens
Rob Burrow, Leeds Rhinos, Featherstone Lions
Garreth Carvell, Warrington Wolves, Stanningley
Josh Charnley, Wigan Warriors, Wigan St Patricks
Eorl Crabtree, Huddersfield Giants, Huddersfield YMCA
Leroy Cudjoe, Huddersfield Giants, Newsome Panthers
Gareth Hock, Wigan Warriors, Wigan St Judes
Jamie Jones-Buchanan, Leeds Rhinos, Stanningley
Jonny Lomax, St Helens, Orrell St James
Lee Mossop, Wigan Warriors, Hensingham
Stefan Ratchford, Warrington Wolves, Wigan St Patricks
James Roby, St Helens, Blackbrook
Matty Smith, Salford City Reds, Blackbrook
Danny Tickle, Hull FC, Golborne Parkside
Jon Wilkin, St Helens, East Hull
