McNamara names England squad

England coach Steve McNamara has named his squad for next week’s International Origin game against the Exiles.

McNamara has been unable to select Huddersfield’s Danny Brough, after the in-form half-back pledged his allegiance to Scotland on Monday.

Brough’s Giants teammate Brett Ferres is a surprise inclusion while St Helens hooker James Roby, who only made his return to action after a two-month injury lay-off this week, makes the squad.

McNamara said: “Brett came very close to being selected in the initial Elite Training Squad back in March.

“Brett has been in outstanding form throughout this campaign and I had no hesitation selecting him. We have always had players coming into form that have received international recognition in the past few years. 

“I have always said that if players, who are not necessarily established in the England programme, are playing well they will be considered. Brett deserves his call up and I know he’ll do a job for us.”

From the original Elite Training Squad selected in March, 11 players have not made the final 20, including Widnes forward Gareth Hock, Hull FC’s Tom Briscoe, St Helens  forward Jon Wilkin and Wakefield winger Ben Cockayne.

Wigan’s Michael Mclllorum, Danny Tickle of Hull FC and Leeds trio Carl Ablett, Danny McGuire and Kallum Watkins all miss out through injury.

England 20-man squad: Burrow, Charnley, Chase, Crabtree, Cudjoe, Ellis, Farrell, Ferres, Hall, Hardaker, Hill, Jones-Buchanen, Morley, Mossop, Myler, O’Loughlin, Roby, Sinfield, Tomkins, Westwood.