Bateman to start at centre for England as Bennett names squad to face Australia

John Bateman will start at centre for England in Friday’s World Cup opener against Australia.

He has been chosen over St Helens’ centre Marc Percival who has been named in the squad, but is outside the first 17.

Stefan Ratchford, Mike McMeeken and George Williams have been left out of the 21-man squad by Wayne Bennett for the game in Melbourne.

Alex Walmsley, who impressed during the 74-12 win against the Combined Affiliated States, will make his competitive England debut off the bench.

“The thing for us will be whether we make unforced errors under pressure, which we did last time we played them – there’s nothing else we have to fear,” said Bennett.

“We match them in a lot of areas and if we can match them in the areas of discipline and unforced errors, that will be our best chance of doing anything.”

Opponents Australia will have three debutants in their ranks with winger Dane Gagai and forwards Wade Graham and Jordan McLean included in Mal Meninga’s 17.

“This is obviously a very important game in the context of the Rugby League World Cup and this squad of players reflects that,” said Meninga.

“Dane had a tremendous State of Origin series and deserves to play for the Kangaroos and it will be great to see him in the green and gold.

“Wade offers enormous impact for us while Jordan had a wonderful season for the Storm. Jordan was also extremely strong in the pre-tournament exhibition against Fiji and PNG.”