England Rugby League head coach Shaun Wane has spoken after confirmation of the 31-man squad for upcoming test matches.
England will face Samoa in a two-game series after the Super League season has concluded, with games on the 27th of October and the 2nd of November.
This means a strong squad is able to be selected, including NRL stars that weren’t available for the mid-season international against France.
Six NRL players have been included: Victory Radley, Dom Young, Herbie Farnworth, Kai Pearce-Paul and Tom Burgess.
Meanwhile, uncapped Wigan Warriors duo Liam Marshall and Junior Nsemba have also been named.
Tommy Makinson was included in Wane’s squad but has withdrawn due to personal reasons.
Shaun Wane comments on “talented” England Rugby League squad
Credit: Olly Hassell/SWpix.com
Shaun Wane has Sam Tomkins within his staff this time round, joining Andy Last and Lee Briers.
He said, commenting on the upcoming fixtures: “I’m pleased to have been able to put together a strong and talented squad as we look ahead to the end-of-season Test Matches against Samoa.
“There have been several players who have been performing consistently in both the Betfred Super League and the NRL and it has given me some real competition for places.
“With a few weeks still left in both domestic campaigns, I am expecting these players to continue to stand up at the business end of the season and earn their place in the final squad I assemble to face Samoa.
“There is definitely a bit of history and rivalry between ourselves and the Samoans following the Rugby League World Cup in 2022, and we will be hoping people come out to support us as we look for a series victory on home soil.”
Samoa beat England in the semi-final of the home Rugby League World Cup in 2021, so Wane’s side will be desperate for revenge this autumn.
