Tony Smith identifies Hull KR man he thinks could play for England one day

Hull Kingston Rovers’ Head Coach Tony Smith insists George Lawler is capable of playing in the England first team.

It was announced earlier today that Lawler was selected to be part of Paul Anderson’s England Knights squad, but Smith thinks that he can easily go further.

Smith said, “I am sure he will be ecstatic about it. I am sure he will see this as a stepping stone to where most English young men want to be.

“Yes it is a recognition, and a step closer, but I think it will make him hungrier for the next step and get the call up for the ‘big one’ and I think that is in the realms of possibility in his development.

“If he keeps applying his form and growth into his game over the next year or two, I am sure Shaun will be making some other calls in his direction.”

“I am really pleased for George and the Knights. He is a terrific young player who is improving as he goes through his development stages.

“He is a hard worker and puts his body on the line each and every week who plays above his weight on most occasions.

“I can certainly understand why Shaun Wane has made that selection.”

The Hull-born Lawler came through the ranks at Hull Kingston Rovers, becoming a full-time professional back in 2015. He had loan spells at Newcastle Thunder and York City Knights earlier in his career.

Having experienced relegation with the East Hull side before helping them back up to Super League in 2017, Lawler’s hard work has finally been recognised with international selection.

Opening up on what Lawler brings to the Robins, Smith said “He has been really good in so many ways. He has done a lot of work, especially in those long stints.

“He is one of those people who puts his hand up and does whatever is needed and whatever it takes to get the job done and he does it with very little fuss and has much enthusiasm.

“He has been one of our more consistent players for the past couple of seasons.”