England Knights unchanged for Scotland clash
England Knights coach Kieron Purtill has named an unchanged 19-man squad to take on Scotland in Sunday’s decisive Alitalia European Cup fixture in Edinburgh.
The Knights opened their campaign with a 56-4 victory over Ireland last weekend and head into Sunday’s game at Meggetland (2.00pm) knowing victory against Scotland would secure the Alitalia European Cup title.
“We’ve had a great two weeks as a group and everyone has worked hard and it was pleasing to see that rewarded with a great win against Ireland last week,” said Purtill.
“The performance against Ireland was one of the best I have seen from any Knights group and I thought our forwards, especially were outstanding. We now need to ensure that we continue to improve on all the little aspects of our game and make sure we keep up our off the ball efforts on Sunday.
“The players have shown a great attitude so far in camp and everyone who has been involved, from one to 19, are a credit to the England badge.
“Scotland will be determined to make amends for their disappointing result to Ireland a few weeks ago and we know it will be a tough game.
“I’m expecting it to be a very physical battle and the conditions will play a part as well but if we can get our attitude right then I’m confident we can get the result and it would be great to see the players’ efforts rewarded with a trophy.”
England Knights squad to play Scotland (professional and community club in brackets):
1 Ben Jones-Bishop (Leeds Rhinos, Queens)
2 Kieran Dixon (London Broncos, Hemel Stags)
3 Jordan Turner (Hull FC, Waterhead)
4 Rhys Evans (Warrington Wolves, Burtonwood Bulldogs)
5 Jodie Broughton (Salford City Reds, Queens)
6 Dan Sarginson (London Broncos, Hemel Hempstead Stags)
7 Luke Gale (Bradford Bulls, Middleton Marauders)
8 George Burgess (South Sydney Rabbitohs, Dewsbury Moor)
9 Danny Houghton (C) (Hull FC, East Hull )
10 Tom Burgess (Bradford Bulls, Dewsbury Moor)
11 Jack Hughes (Wigan Warriors, Wigan St Judes)
12 Mike Cooper (Warrington Wolves, Latchford Albion)
13 Michael Lawrence (Huddersfield Giants, Newsome Panthers)
14 Scott Taylor (Hull KR, Skirlaugh Bulls)
15 Shaun Lunt (Huddersfield Giants, Ellenborough Rangers)
16 Chris Clarkson (Leeds Rhinos, East Leeds)
17 Chris Riley (Warrington Wolves, Woolston Rovers)
18 Daryl Clark (Castleford Tigers, Castleford Lock Lane)
19 Greg Eden (Huddersfield Giants, Castleford Lock Lane)
England Knights conclude their Alitalia European Cup campaign against Scotland at the Meggetland Stadium, Edinburgh, on Sunday October 28 (2.00pm).