England make two changes for decisive test
England coach Steve McNamara has made two changes to the 19-man squad for this week’s Third Test decider against New Zealand.
Wigan scrum-half Matty Smith and Huddersfield winger Jermaine McGillvary have been included.
Warrington back rower Ben Westwood and Huddersfield centre Leroy Cudjoe have been left out to make way for the two newcomers.
McGillvary, who topped the Super League try scoring charts in 2015, will be making his England debut if he is selected on Saturday afternoon, whilst Smith hasn’t played for his country since the Four Nations tournament in 2014.
“We have had a great week with our preparation and the players are ready to take on a strong New Zealand side,” said McNamara.
“The players are well aware of the importance of the game and the improvements we have to make from our previous matches to give ourselves every chance of beating New Zealand.
“We will have to be at our best to win, but we’ll relish the pressure of playing against a quality team in front of a full house at Wigan.”
ENGLAND SQUAD:
John Bateman (Wigan Warriors, Bradford Dudley Hill)
Joe Burgess (Wigan Warriors, Ince Rose Bridge)
Thomas Burgess (South Sydney Rabbitohs, Dewsbury Moor)
Mike Cooper (St George Illawarra Dragons, Latchford Albion)
Liam Farrell (Wigan Warriors, Wigan St Patricks)
Brett Ferres (Huddersfield Giants, Smawthorne Panthers)
James Graham (Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs, Blackbrook)
Ryan Hall (Leeds Rhinos, Oulton Raiders)
Zak Hardaker (Leeds Rhinos, Featherstone Lions)
Chris Hill (Warrington Wolves, New Spring Lions)
Josh Hodgson (Canberra Raiders, East Hull)
Jermaine McGillvary (Huddersfield Giants, Deighton Juniors)
Sean O’Loughlin, captain (Wigan Warriors, Wigan St Patricks)
James Roby (St Helens, Blackbrook)
Matty Smith (Wigan Warriors, Blackbrook)
Kallum Watkins (Leeds Rhinos, Latchford Albion)
Elliott Whitehead (Catalans Dragons, West Bowling)
Gareth Widdop (St George Illawarra Dragons, King Cross)
George Williams (Wigan Warriors, Wigan St Patricks)
