Saturday marks the second test between England and Tonga with Huddersfield’s John Smith’s Stadium set as the destination, England capable of winning the series whilst Tonga will be aiming to draw level and take it to the final test at Headingley.
Whilst the Huddersfield test is just days away, the Headingley test perhaps holds more interest and for many reasons.
It will be the first England game to be played at the venue since 2011 when England hosted the Exiles, whilst it will actually be the first competitive test match since the 2000 World Cup when England faced Ireland.
It was confirmed to Serious About Rugby League that ticket sales for that Headingley test are trending towards a sell out with seated tickets ‘thin on the ground’ already, suggesting fans will turn out in great numbers for the historic game.
Another reason why the third test is of such interest is that it will see England’s captain George Williams eligible to play for the first time in this series, the Warrington Wolves man having missed the first two tests on account of being banned.
Williams two game ban for a shoulder charge was contentious given it ruled the skipper out for the majority of the series, but it did present an opportunity.
That was handed to Hull KR’s Mikey Lewis who deputised for Williams and shone on debut, earning a Man of the Match performance with a try and a huge line break that set up the opening try.
Should Lewis continue that form on Saturday then it could provide a major headache for Wane in the third test as he has to choose between his skipper, Lewis and Wigan’s Grand Final winning half Harry Smith.
Wane was asked about this conundrum and told NRL.com very diplomatically: “It’ll be the best two halves out of three.”
Whilst that’s an obvious statement it does beg the question of if Williams could miss the full series, should the form of Lewis and Smith continue to another level this weekend.
It was also confirmed by NRL.com that Morgan Knowles will play no further part in the series, something that the St Helens man had confirmed via his own social media.
Tommy Makinson is also out of this upcoming test through injury meaning that both Matty Ashton and Liam Farrell will act as replacements, per NRL.com.
