Exiles vs England in 2020? – Potential 17-man Exiles squad if the fixture returned next season

Rugby League in the UK has always been a hotbed for internationals to come and ply their trade. Next season will see a whole host of big-name players arrive in the Betfred Super League from overseas, adding greater quality to the competition.

So, it begs the question, as England head towards an Ashes series and World Cup on home soil, should they bring back an Exiles team to provide strong opposition in a mid-season fixture?

In 2011 England faced the Exiles, and the team comprised of all the best overseas talent in Super League prevailed 16-12 at Headingley. The ‘International Origin Match’ returned a year later as the sides drew a two-match series, before the concept ended when England won convincingly 30-10 at the Halliwell Jones Stadium in 2013.

The Exiles certainly provided tougher opposition than a standard international against France and I for one feel this could be ideal preparation ahead of such a vital stage in our international future. It should certainly be considered given there will be little, if any, travel involved for all the players involved. So, if this does happen, what would an Exiles team of 2020 look like? Here is a possible line-up…

Full-back – Peter Mata’utia

Since arriving at Castleford from Leigh Centurions, Mata’utia has proved to be an asset for the Tigers, enjoying what was a strong 2019 season by all accounts. Though he only scored three tries, the Samoan international provided an impressive 16 assists, 94 tackle busts and made 2758 metres. He possesses strength, agility and a sly kicking game that would make him a tough player for England to handle.

Wingers – Mahe Fonua & Krisnan Inu

Fonua returns to this country after a two-year stint with Wests Tigers and links back up with Hull FC. He took the competition by storm last time with his sheer strength, skill and finishing ability proving difficult for opposing teams.

As for Inu, the man mountain helped Salford to their greatest ever season in 2019. The former Canterbury Bulldog slotted over 77 goals in the last campaign as well as managing 101 tackle busts and almost 2000 metres with ball in hand.

Centres – Kevin Naiqama & Konrad Hurrell

Two current Dream Team players Kevin Naiqama and Konrad Hurrell line up in the centres. Fijian international Naiqama enjoyed a spectacular start to his tenure in the Betfred Super League, helping Saints to another League Leaders Shield as well as a Grand Final triumph. Scoring 17 tries was also superb but also completing 374 tackles, managing 85 tackle busts and 2091 metres was a huge effort.

Tongan international Hurrell also took Super League by storm with Leeds and despite the club enduring a lacklustre season, he was simply sensational. The juggernaut knew his way forward more than most, notching 14 tries and providing seven assists throughout. Hurrell also contributed 2925 metres and 138 tackle busts and he, combined with Naiqama, would be a scary prospect for England to face.

Stand-off – Albert Kelly

A tough selection but former Wembley winner and Man of Steel contender Albert Kelly is chosen at stand-off. Whenever he features, Kelly is usually a threat, something that has made him a fan-favourite with the ‘Old Faithful’ of Hull FC in recent seasons. His go-forward, side-step and kicking game certainly make him a worthy candidate for the Exiles.

Scrum-half – James Maloney

Catalans’ high profile signing James Maloney is a must in this team. The veteran has enjoyed a magnificent career down under and has represented Australia at international and New South Wales in the State of Origin. He arrives ready to cap off what has been a memorable career and would probably give England a run for their money if the fixture should take place.

Props – David Fifita & Sam Kasiano

Lining up at front row are another two man mountains in David Fifita of Wakefield and Sam Kasiano of Catalans. Fifita is a highly popular player at Belle Vue and with good reason, his skill, power and tenacity is often too much for opposing teams to handle.

Former New Zealand and Samoan international Kasiano running towards you is a scary thought, but it could be good preparation for our forwards. The recent tour saw the Lions pack struggle physically and they need to get better at handling the big men down the middle.

Hooker – Matt Parcell

Not much to choose from in such a position as Matt Parcell would probably feature at hooker. He enjoyed a strong spell with Leeds, having already won a Grand Final. He helped Hull KR survive last season and his speed out of dummy half is akin to that of many international hookers, making him a difficult proposition for England.

Second-row – Manu Ma’u & Sonny Bill Williams

Could you get a more frightening combination? The “Tongan Terminator” in Manu Ma’u lines up alongside the world famous cross-code player Sonny-Bill Williams. Ma’u has earned himself a reputation down under, being dubbed one of the most intimidating players to go against. His ferocious running and tackling have helped him become a household name in the NRL, and he’s likely to take Super League by storm following his move to Hull FC.

Alongside him is a guy that needs no introduction. Having won the NRL title with both Canterbury and Sydney over the years, not to mention two Rugby World Cups, Sonny Bill would certainly give England a run for their money. He might be 34 now but if ‘SBW’ even reaches half the level of his previous stints in the 13-man game, then he will be making the headlines regularly.

Loose-forward – Ben Murdoch-Masila

Warrington’s Ben Murdoch-Masila, another man-mountain, completes the starting line-up in. The 28-year-old was finally rewarded for his hard work last year with a win at Wembley for the Wolves, even scoring a try for good measure. He has been feared throughout by opposition in this part of the world with his sheer size going forward, always requiring more than one to take him down.

Interchange:

Tui Lolohea

An obvious choice has to be Salford’s Tui Lolohea. The Tongan international recently helped his side to a famous win over Great Britain, contesting the Golden Boot award in the process.

Pauli Pauli

A controversial figure maybe but highly dangerous regardless. The 24-year-old enjoyed a good spell with Wakefield before his move to Salford, where he has continued his talents.

Tevita Satae

Hull forward Tevita Satae will utilise his size to great effect and would add more firepower to this potential Exiles team.

Jesse Sene-Lefao

Rounding things off is Castleford utility forward Jesse Sene-Lefao. He will provide strength down the middle as well as a decent step and offloading game.