Leeds Rhinos' Harry Newman in England's 24-man squad with St Helens trio out

17 October 2023 , 08:40

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Uncapped Newman will hope to get his chance after a frustrating season with Leeds as he is the only recognised centre alongside King (Image: PA)

Leeds centre Harry Newman, Hull KR’s Mikey Lewis and Wigan captain Liam Farrell are some of the picks in Shaun Wane’s 24-man squad for the historic three-Test series against Tonga.

There are also call-ups for Catalans’ Man of Steel nominee Tom Johnstone and Leigh prop Robbie Mulhern, both hoping to earn their first cap since debuting against France in 2018. But there are some notable names missing with none of St Helens trio Jonny Lomax, Mark Percival and Alex Walmsley included. Wigan have four of their Grand Final winners in with Tyler Dupree, Toby King and Harry Smith joining Farrell, the veteran second-row who missed last year’s World Cup through injury.

Only a dozen of the 24-man squad are retained from that tournament including NRL quintet Dom Young, John Bateman, Tom Burgess, Victor Radley and Elliott Whitehead. Both hookers Michael McIlorum and Andy Ackers are omitted with Warrington duo Danny Walker and Daryl Clark the only recognised No9s. Uncapped Newman will hope to get his chance after a frustrating season with Leeds as he is the only recognised centre alongside King.

Skipper George Williams is one of five Warrington Wolves players selected, although the extent of his involvement could be determined by a disciplinary tribunal hearing being held tonight. This historic series – the first between the two nations and their first meeting since the epic 2017 World Cup semi-final in Auckland – will see England host Tonga on Sunday at St Helens’ Totally Wicked Stadium, before meetings at Huddersfield’s John Smith’s Stadium (Saturday 28 October) and at the AMT Headingley Rugby Stadium, Leeds, on Saturday 4 November.

Wane said: “I’m really pleased with the 24 players coming into camp as we look to beat Tonga in this three-game series. All of the players included have impressed me throughout their respective Super League and NRL campaigns and are worthy of representing their country in this historic series.

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Shaun Wane has named a 24-man squad (PA)

“We’ve got a real strong mix of experience and youth combining players who featured in last year’s World Cup, this year’s mid-season international and some who are returning to the international frame. My message to the fans now is: come out and get behind this team in St Helens, Huddersfield and Leeds in the coming weeks!”

Several players are unavailable for selection because of injury, including Brisbane Broncos centre Herbie Farnworth.

The RFL say ‘all the Super League and NRL clubs have been helpful and supportive around the availability of their players for international duty’ and where players have been withdrawn from the selection pool, there has been ‘strong medical evidence to support those decisions.’

England Squad

Matty Ashton (Warrington Wolves), John Bateman (Wests Tigers), Tom Burgess (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Daryl Clark, Ben Currie (both Warrington Wolves), Tyler Dupree, Liam Farrell (both Wigan Warriors), Chris Hill (Huddersfield Giants), Tom Johnstone (Catalans Dragons), Toby King (Wigan Warriors), Morgan Knowles, Matty Lees (both St Helens), Mikey Lewis (Hull KR), Tommy Makinson (St Helens), Mike McMeeken (Catalans Dragons), Robbie Mulhern (Leigh Leopards), Harry Newman (Leeds Rhinos), Victor Radley (Sydney Roosters), Harry Smith (Wigan Warriors), Danny Walker (Warrington Wolves), Jack Welsby (St Helens), Elliott Whitehead (Canberra Raiders), George Williams (Warrington Wolves), Dom Young (Newcastle Knights)

David Craven