Shaun Wane names 19-man England squad for World Cup opener
England boss Shaun Wane has named his 19-man squad for the World Cup opener against Samoa at Newcastle’s St James’ Park.
Sam Tomkins, who did not feature in the 5-0 win over Fiji, has been named and will enjoy his first taste of World Cup action since 2013.
Ryan Hall has not been included, hinting a starting spot for Newcastle Knights winger Dom Young. Tommy Makinson is expected to line up on the other wing.
Salford hooker Andy Ackers also misses out, while John Bateman will serve his final match ban. Joe Batchelor and Mikolaj Oledzk have not been included in the 19-man squad.
George Williams, Marc Sneyd and Jack Welsby have all been named by Wane for Saturday’s opening fixture. The clash kicks off at 2:30pm and will be broadcast live on BBC One.
Kaiser Chiefs will be the headline act as part of the official Tournament Welcome event on Saturday.
Shaun Wane names England 19-man squad
1 Sam Tomkins (Catalans Dragons, Capt.)
2 Tommy Makinson (St Helens)
3 Kallum Watkins (Salford Red Devils)
4 Herbie Farnworth (Brisbane Broncos)
6 Jack Welsby (St Helens)
7 George Williams (Warrington Wolves)
8 Tom Burgess (South Sydney Rabbitohs)
9 Micky McIlorum (Catalans Dragons)
10 Luke Thompson (Canterbury Bulldogs)
11 Elliott Whitehead (Canberra Raiders)
13 Victor Radley (Sydney Roosters)
14 Dom Young (Newcastle Knights)
15 Morgan Knowles (St Helens)
16 Matty Lees (St Helens)
17 Mike Cooper (Wigan Warriors)
18 Chris Hill (Huddersfield Giants)
20 Mike McMeeken (Catalans Dragons)
21 Marc Sneyd (Salford Red Devils)
24 Kai Pearce-Paul (Wigan Warriors)
Samoa name squad
Samoa boss Matt Parish has also confirmed his squad for the opener.
1 Joseph Suaalii
3 Izack Tago
4 Stephen Crichton
5 Brian To’o
6 Jarome Luai
7 Anthony Milford
8 Josh Papalii
9 Danny Levi
10 Junior Paulo
12 Jayden Su’a
13 Josh Aloiai
14 Tyrone May
16 Spencer Leniu
17 Martin Taupau
18 Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
20 Chanel Harris-Tavita
22 Kelma Tuilagi
23 Oregon Kaufusi
24 Braden Hamlin-Uele
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