The Ashes have understandably seen English fans grow concerned over the nation’s ability to compete internationally given the ease at which Australia have won games, however, the future of rugby league in England is in very good shape.
Many will argue that the same can be said for nations such as Australia, Tonga, Samoa, and others etc, and whilst that is true, the pessimism at the moment surrounds England.
It’s been a lacklustre Ashes effort where the attack has come under serious questioning given the fact that just one try has been scored in the first two games. Physicality lacked in the first Test but improved in the second, though Australia still had their way with England.
There are lots of reasons why that might be the case, and they can wait for another article, but a key reason for England’s struggles is the abandonment of the England Knights programme where developing players would play together.
Talent in English rugby league is aplenty and with so many exciting young players, now is the time to resurrect the Knights, or an equivalent, with that team playing end-of-season internationals against the home nations, and even France.
What an England youth team could look like
With those younger players playing together against established internationals, they would only improve and when, two or three, or even five years down the line, they become England starters, they will have that experience of playing as a team in competitive games that actually mean something.
We’ve picked out some of the best English youngsters in Super League and the NRL who are 23 or younger that could form this resurrected ‘England Knights’ side, and we think it would certainly compete against the home nations and France.
England Knights possible squad
Full-back: Will Pryce (Hull FC) – 22
As is the case in a number of positions, there is lots of choice at full-back but Will Pryce seems to be the standout, if indeed he does nail down this position after spending time at six last year. That should be the case given the arrival of Jake Arthur so we could be set to see the same sort of Will Pryce that took Super League by storm and earned an NRL move. Other options included Fletcher Rooney and Cai Taylor-Wray (both 19), as well as Bailey Hodgson.
Wingers: Lewis Martin (Hull FC) – 21 and Arron Lindop (Warrington Wolves) – 19
Lewis Martin had genuine shouts to be in the Ashes squad and it’s no surprise after he topped the Super League try-scoring charts. The other wing is tougher and we’ve actually selected Arron Lindop who is more naturally a centre but has been used on the wing. Zach Eckersley and Noah Booth are both options from last year’s Grand Finalists, as well as Lindop’s teammate Jake Thewlis.
Centres: Harry Robertson (St Helens) – 19 and Umyla Hanley (Leigh Leopards) – 23
Two more players who were surely considered for this Ashes with Robertson probably too young and Hanley’s charge probably coming too late. Robertson could yet switch to the halves, in which case players like Oliver Pratt, Davy Litten, or the aforementioned Eckersley could feature here.
Halves: Jack Farrimond (Wigan Warriors) – 20 and George Whitby (St Helens) – 19
Probably the most exciting position group in this squad with the young Wiganer and Saint combining. Farrimond running from six and Whitby controlling the kicking game could be something we see for over a decade in England colours with the pair both insanely talented, and a Knights-style team would help them form that partnership.
Hooker: Brad O’Neill (Wigan Warriors) – 23
The senior member in the squad would be Brad O’Neill who is incredibly still only 23, despite having almost 100 Wigan appearances to his name. He was another who would have been in Shaun Wane’s considerations for this series. Harvey Smith of Wakefield is another option too.
Props: Harvie Hill (Hull FC) – 22 and George Delaney (St Helens) – 21
Props are probably where this team lacks, in part because they seem to develop a lot later than other positions but this pair are still very strong. Harvie Hill has just earned his move to Hull FC whilst George Delaney may well step up and become a starter in 2025.
Second-row: Junior Nsemba (Wigan Warriors) – 21 and Matty Nicholson (Canberra Raiders) 22
Two players who could very well have been in the Ashes squad but for form and injury issues. A new breed of second-rower, they’re both athletic freaks and will be part of England plans for at least the next decade.
Loose forward: Harvey Wilson (Catalans Dragons) – 21
Wilson had an exceptional season with Salford and that earned him his move to Catalans, and deservedly so. Still just 21, he’s only set to improve when learning from players like Oliver Partington and Benjamin Garcia.
Interchanges: Jack Sinfield (Wakefield Trinity), Noah Stephens (St Helens), Max Wood (21), Morgan Gannon (New Zealand Warriors) – all 21
Jack Sinfield would be the utility on the bench, covering hooker as he did at times under Brad Arthur, as well as his natural position in the halves. Stephens and Wood are both gaining experience as young props and Morgan Gannon could beat out a host of names including Adam Holroyd, Fenton Rogers, and George Hill for the final bench spot.
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