What Ellery Hanley’s Combined Nations team to take on Shaun Wane’s England side will look like

On Friday, rugby league legend Ellery Hanley named his Combined Nations All Stars squad in preparation of their clash with England in June in a repeat of the fixture which took place last season.

The game is designed to give Shaun Wane a good look at his England side before this year’s World Cup but has also been devoted to the people of Tonga following the devastating tsunami which hit the country before the start of this season.

So, there’s something very real for the Combined Nations players to play for especially those who have an eye on the England team in the long run. But what will the 17 look like? That’s what we’re predicting today.

Fullback: Jai Field
The biggest challenge facing Hanley is getting all the star fullbacks in his squad into the same 17. There is an argument that the fullback spot should go to Jake Connor with Jai Field on the wing, but Field has been so electric at fullback this season – he leads the Man of Steel leader board at present – that it would be harsh on him to not be named at fullback.

Wingers: Ken Sio and Tom Johnstone
Two of Super League’s best wingers will feature for Hanley’s side. Ken Sio is the reigning top try scorer and is well in the mix again in 2022 despite the struggles of his Salford side. Meanwhile, Tom Johnstone has been very unlucky to miss out on Wane’s England squad and the flying winger who is capable of finishes of all shapes and sizes will look to make a statement here.

Centres: Jake Connor and Shaun Kenny-Dowall
Centre is where I see Jake Connor playing. He’s played there before internationally and done well. Playing out of position may actually work in his favour as it could show Wane that he is worth having in the squad because of his ability to play multiple positions. He’ll be joined by the evergreen Shaun Kenny-Dowall who tops the assist charts for centres in 2022. His powerful frame will test the England defence.

Halfbacks: Tui Lolohea and Mitchell Pearce
Tui Lolohea has every right to feel like he should be named at fullback in this team such is his form there in 2022. But a halfback by trade and set to move back there gradually as Will Pryce learns the fullback role at Huddersfield, it makes sense for him to get the nod at six here alongside Catalans halfback Mitchell Pearce who seems to be growing in stature week by week in Super League. With endless experience at the top level, he’s the kind of player England need to be facing in preparation for the autumn.

Props: Ligi Sao and Chris Satae
In the front row we could see Hull FC’s two big men in Ligi Sao and Chris Satae who always play well even when Hull are struggling. Both powerhouses who can bust tackles will relative ease, it should be a feisty battle in the middle.

Hooker: Danny Levi
Danny Levi has been one of the best signings so far this season. Lively out of dummyhalf, capable of tying up defenders and getting the ball moving crisply for set plays, he’s the ideal nine to start for Hanley’s side.

Second-Rows: Kane Linnett and Rhyse Martin
In a struggling Leeds side, Rhyse Martin has stood out in 2022 and has scored more tries in all competitions than any his teammates and even try scoring machine Ash Handley. Also a strong tackler and a hard worker, selection in this side would certainly be deserved. Alongside him is another backrow who scores a lot of tries in Kane Linnett. He grabbed another two yesterday for the Robins and is a force to be reckoned with.

Loose-forward: Luke Yates
Completing the 13 is Luke Yates. The Huddersfield skipper has been exceptional this season. Not only is he capable of doing endless work, he can also conjure up the big moments as he did the Challenge Cup quarter-final against Hull FC.

Substitutes: Joe Lovodua, Sam Kasiano, Ben Garcia and Kenny Edwards
On the bench, Hanley could have a number of players who can make an impact. In Kenny Edwards he has a dangerous and illusive backrow to mix things up whilst Sam Kasiano is something of a wrecking ball when running at tired defences. Joe Lovodua meanwhile is so explosive that introduction into this team midway through the game would make him very dangerous. Meanwhile, completing the 17 is underrated Catalans captain Ben Garcia who will be a good leader and worker for Hanley to bring off the bench.