Eddie and Stevo want Castleford Tigers star in Shaun Wane’s England squad instead of St Helens man

Castleford Tigers head coach Lee Radford recently spoke about star Joe Westerman being the best number 13 in the competition.

The former Hull FC, Wakefield Trinity and Toronto Wolfpack loose-forward has started the season like a house on fire for the club of his youth – Castleford.

And, for former Sky Sports pundits Eddie Hemmings and Mike ‘Stevo’ Stephenson, they agree with Radford.

“I agree, he’s playing out of his skin,” Stevo said.

“He’s playing strong enough to maybe sneak in to the England squad for the World Cup if he continues in this rich vein of form.

“England currently only have two forwards that are able to offload into the tackle, the likes of Alex Walmlsey and Westerman are always looking for the opportunity to spin and offload in the tackle.”

Stevo believes Westerman is the ideal man to take on New Zealand and Australia in the World Cup.

“It’s not about the bash and barge, when you’ve got Walmsley and Westerman, they are playing out of their skin and the ability to offload is something we need for the World Cup.

“Teams like New Zealand, Australia and Samoa etc will be tough to beat so we need someone with that skill factor.”

Stevo would also play Westerman in front of St Helens star Morgan Knowles.

“I would put Knowles in the squad – he’s a fine player and enthusiastic but we need ball handlers.

“They seem to have disappeared in this modern era in rugby league.”