England Women’s squad named for PNG tour

England Women have named a 23-strong squad for their upcoming two-game tour of Papua New Guinea.

Craig Richards’ side will face the Orchids in Goroka on Saturday November 9, before a second test in Port Moresby on Saturday November 16, which will be played before the Great Britain Lions’ test, also against PNG.

All but one of England’s World Cup 9s squad are included, with Amy Hardcastle not making the trip due to personal reasons.

However, Charlotte Booth, Grace Field, Rebecca Greenfield, Amy Johnson, Tara Jones, Shannon Lacey, Tamzin Renouf and Rachel Thompson all come into the squad.

“It is going to be a fantastic experience for everyone involved and it will be a great test for the girls,” said Richards. “We came up against the Orchids in the Downer World Cup Nines and they were extremely physical and promoted the ball well, so we know to expect two tough games.”

Captain Emily Rudge added: “We are all extremely excited for what will be a historic tour not only for England Women but also for international Women’s Rugby League as a whole.

“Following on from the success of the World Cup Nines and the announcements being made by the 2021 Rugby League World Cup, it really is a special time for Women’s Rugby League and this tour is just another step in the right direction.”

England Women’s 23-player squad for PNG tour: D​annielle Anderson (Leeds Rhinos), Caitlin Beevers (Leeds Rhinos), Charlotte Booth (Leeds Rhinos), Leah Burke (St Helens), Chantelle Crowl (St Helens), Jodie Cunningham (St Helens), Grace Field (Castleford Tigers), Faye Gaskin (St Helens), Kelsey Gentles (Castleford Tigers), Rebecca Greenfield (Wigan Warriors), Shona Hoyle (Castleford Tigers), Amy Johnson (Leeds Rhinos), Tara Jones (St Helens), Shannon Lacey (Leeds Rhinos), Rhiannion Marshall (Castleford Tigers), Sinead Peach (Castleford Tigers), Tamzin Renouf (Castleford Tigers), Georgia Roche (Castleford Tigers), Emily Rudge (St Helens), Tara-Jane Stanley (Castleford Tigers), Rachel Thompson (Wigan Warriors), Naomi Williams (St Helens), Georgia Wilson (Wigan Warriors).