20 October 2023 , 11:00
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Harry Newman and Mikey Lewis are both set for their England debuts but there’s no place for superstar Dom Young against Tonga on Sunday.
Shaun Wane has named his 19-man squad for the series opener at St Helens. Leeds centre Newman and Hull KR half-back Lewis make the cut, with Lewis set to feature given captain George Williams starts a two-game ban. But Newcastle Knights flier Young, who lit up last year’s World Cup with some brilliant displays and was the NRL's top tryscorer with 25 this season, is out injured.
That means Tom Johnstone, the electric 28-try winger who earned Dream Team status and a Man of Steel nomination while helping Catalans to Old Trafford this year, earns his first cap since scoring a hat-trick on debut against France in 2018. The other players to miss out on selection are Wigan prop Tyler Dupree and Warrington duo Ben Currie and Matty Ashton. Jack Welsby was earlier today confirmed as captain in Williams’ absence, becoming England’s youngest ever skipper at the age of just 22.
He’s also the first St Helens player to lead England since James Graham against Australia in the 2010 Four Nations competition. Leigh prop Robbie Mulhern also hopes to feature for his second cap after debuting in that 44-8 win over France five years ago while Warrington hooker Daryl Clark is in line for his first England appearance since 2018. Wane said: “I’m really pleased and confident with the squad I’ve selected for this opening fixture against Tonga.
England boss Shaun Wane prepares for Tonga (PA)"We’ve had a strong week since arriving in camp and we are heading into this weekend focused with a job to do. We hope that the fans will turn out in their numbers to help us over the line.”
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England Squad v Tonga – Sunday 22 October, 230pm, Totally Wicked Stadium
John Bateman (Wests Tigers), Tom Burgess (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Daryl Clark (Warrington Wolves), Liam Farrell (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)