Shaun Wane named his 20-man squad to face the Combined Nations All Stars this weekend at the Halliwell Jones Stadium.
The former Wigan Warriors boss has included Leeds Rhinos star Mikolaj Oledzki, but Zak Hardaker has not been selected by Wane.
The fullback or centre has had a difficult few months after leaving Wigan earlier in the season with a move to his first Super League club Leeds confirmed weeks later.
Just a week after, however, Hardaker suffered a seizure outside his home, but he has since recovered medically to hit top form for the Rhinos – particularly in the West Yorkshire’s demolition of Warrington Wolves.
Wane, however, has revealed just why the 30-year-old has not been chosen.
“It’s a bit of form, he’s doing ok with Leeds but there are certain things I want from a centre and a fullback,” Wane said.
“He’s just joined Leeds and he’s had his demons so I just want him to relax and play at Leeds and to know that if his form is outstanding then he will be there at the end of the year.”
England squad
Matty Ashton (Warrington Wolves), Joe Batchelor (St Helens), John Bateman (Wigan Warriors), Mike Cooper (Warrington Wolves), Liam Farrell (Wigan Warriors), Ryan Hall (Hull KR), Matty Lees (St Helens), Michael McIlorum, Mike McMeeken (both Catalans Dragons), Paul McShane (Castleford Tigers), Tommy Makinson (St Helens), Mikolaj Oledzki (Leeds Rhinos), Joe Philbin, Stefan Ratchford (both Warrington Wolves), Sam Tomkins (Catalans Dragons), Alex Walmsley (St Helens), Jake Wardle (Huddersfield Giants), Kallum Watkins (Salford Red Devils), Jack Welsby (St Helens), George Williams (Warrington Wolves)
