Shaun Wane named his 20-man England squad this afternoon with a number of surprise decisions.
George Williams has been included despite being out of form for Warrington Wolves, whilst others have withdrawn due to injury.
St Helens duo Morgan Knowles and Mark Percival were withdrawn from the squad last night due to injury with Wane revealing that he received a call from the Merseyside club.
“St Helens staff have informed us overnight that both Morgan Knowles and Jonny Lomax have got injuries,” Wane said.
“It’s disruptive there’s no doubt about that, but I’ve got a very strong squad of players and it’s a good chance for somebody else.
“It happens, but it didn’t give me much time but it is exciting for us.”
Wane also revealed that Jai Field will not be lining up opposite his England side at the weekend for the Combined Nations All Stars due to injury.
“Jai Field has pulled out with a hamstring injury and he has had a bit of an issue with that in the past,” Wane said.
England squad
Matty Ashton (Warrington Wolves), Joe Batchelor (St Helens), John Bateman (Wigan Warriors), Mike Cooper (Warrington Wolves), Liam Farrell (Wigan Warriors), Ryan Hall (Hull KR), Matty Lees (St Helens), Michael McIlorum, Mike McMeeken (both Catalans Dragons), Paul McShane (Castleford Tigers), Tommy Makinson (St Helens), Mikolaj Oledzki (Leeds Rhinos), Joe Philbin, Stefan Ratchford (both Warrington Wolves), Sam Tomkins (Catalans Dragons), Alex Walmsley (St Helens), Jake Wardle (Huddersfield Giants), Kallum Watkins (Salford Red Devils), Jack Welsby (St Helens), George Williams (Warrington Wolves)
