26 October 2023 , 16:00
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Speedster Matty Ashton is in a hurry to show his England class on Saturday.
The Warrington winger plays in the second Test against Tonga after St Helens’ Tommy Makinson suffered a wrist injury. And Ashton, featuring for amateurs Rochdale Mayfield not long ago, is ready to shine. The 25 year-old made his England debut in April’s 64–0 hammering of France but facing Tonga’s NRL stars is a step up.
He said: “I’m buzzing for the opportunity and can’t wait to show everyone what I can do on the biggest stage of all. That France game was a good taster for me, getting a feel of the place and around camp. But I’m raring to go now against Tonga. It’ll be a proud moment for me and my family. There’ll be goosebumps all over.
“Tonga are a very aggressive side. It’s going to be really tough like it was on Sunday. But Huddersfield’s pitch is a fast track and we’re hoping to use that to our advantage.”
Ashton might have feared not getting a look-in given England boss Shaun Wane already had former Golden Boot winner Makinson, NRL top try-scorer Dom Young and Super League try-scorer Tom Johnstone as wingers in his 24-man squad. But World Cup star Young won’t play any part after being hospitalised with illness and now Makinson will miss at least one game. Ashton, who scored 20 tries for Warrington this term, hopes to have the same impact as Johnstone who got his chance in Sunday’s 22-18 win and crossed twice.
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He said: “I just came into camp with open arms ready to expect the unexpected knowing I needed to train well and hopefully get a chance. Luckily, it has come and now I have to take it with both hands. It’s down to me now. The ball’s in my court.”
England's Matty Ashton (Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com)But Ashton has already proved he never misses an opportunity. He only got a gig with part-timers Swinton after a trial aged 21 and never gave up hope of playing pro’ even when working at McDonalds and as a swimming pool lifeguard. He recalled: “It was only four years ago I was playing amateur for Rochdale Mayfield. It’s a pretty cool story. Now I’m taking on Tonga. And I am still close with the owners and committee at Mayfield so they’re always getting me down to do stuff. I always give back to them when I can.”
Ashton is one of two changes to Wane's 19 man squad with Wolves team-mate Ben Currie replacing Morgan Knowles, the St Helens loose forward who picked up thumb injury on Sunday and is also now out for the remainder of the series. Wane has already said Wigan captain Liam Farrell - 18th man last week - comes into the matchday 17 for Knowles but Currie could yet also force his way onto the bench. Huddersfield prop Chris Hill makes his 35th full international appearance on his home ground. Only James Graham (44) and Ryan Hall (40) have made more full international appearances for England.