John Bateman absence explained as England squad changes assessed ahead of second Rugby League Ashes Test

England head coach Shaun Wane has named his side for the second Test of the Rugby League Ashes, and there are some big calls that the boss has made, with full-back Jack Welsby and NRL man John Bateman being left out of the squad completely.

The pair join Wigan’s Ethan Havard on the side lines this week, however whilst some changes are for tactical reasons, others are not.

Both Welsby and Havard have been left out purely on selection, whilst Bateman isn’t 100% and is an enforced change.

In their place come Leeds’ Kallum Watkins, Wigan’s Harry Smith and Canberra’s Morgan Smithies, who were all unlucky to miss out in the Wembley opener.

Wane has admitted this week that changes needed to be made if they are to get anything out of this series, and the former Warriors boss has done just that.

In his pre-match press conference, he revealed: “The beauty of having such a strong squad is that we are bringing some really talented players into the side ahead of this weekend’s game, but the fact remains we simply need to be better this time around.

“I want us to show the very best of us, play at the level I know we can and ultimately level this Ashes Series.”

So, how can these three changes help England achieve their first win over the Aussies in over 30 years, and more importantly, how can they be implemented so that they have the best chance possible of taking the Ashes to a decider at Headingley?

England’s squad changes assessed ahead of second Rugby League Ashes Test

Morgan Smithies

Of the three new additions, Smithies is the most likely to feature in the side, and should probably start the contest.

England lacked fire-power in the forwards, and were unable to match the Kangaroos’ physicality. Smithies is a man with proven NRL experience this year, and has shown he can go toe-to-toe with the likes of Patrick Carrigan, Lindsay Collins and Tino Fa’asuamaleaui.

With him and Morgan Knowles in the side, England have a much better chance of taking the game to the visitors from the off, and if they can keep in the contest for longer than they did at Wembley, some of the other changes Wane has made could come into play and see out a potential victory.

AJ Brimson

The Titans Player of the Year was named in the 19 last week, but was left out alongside Mikolaj Oledzki. However, Welsby’s absence will mean that he will earn his first England cap, and will start at full-back.

The 27-year-old will bring speed and flair to the England attack, something they severely lacked last week. Brimson has 12 tries in 23 NRL games this season, so knows how to convert opportunities against these Kangaroos players.

His support play is also something highlighted by the Australian media as a reason for his inclusion. If England do manage to break the line, Brimson will often be in support, however it was those final passes that let the home side down last week, and that final execution needs to improve at Everton.

Harry Smith

Whilst England’s kicking game, on the whole, wasn’t their biggest fault, having a controlling playmaker in the side certainly would have helped.

Both George Williams and Mikey Lewis are great players in their own right, but neither are out-and-out half-backs who have the game management skills to control a contest like Smith can.

Whilst his form with Wigan to end the season dipped, Smith still has that spark in his locker, and without putting pressure on him, if he’s selected needs to produce that in the biggest game of his life.

Kallum Watkins

Watkins comes into the side and is probably going to be Bateman’s replacement. The Rhinos veteran should come straight into the starting squad and will earn his 30th England cap if he takes to the field.

The 34-year-old has been incredible for Leeds upon his return to the club, and whilst he has switched between back-row and loose forward, has impressed in both positions.

An international call-up is well deserved based on his efforts this year, and it will likely be the last time we see him in and England jersey.

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