SIX St Helens youngsters will get the opportunity to represent England on Good Friday after England Youth coach Dave Elliott announced his 18-man squad to face France in the first of a two Test series at Grattan Stadium, Bradford (2:30pm).
Elliott has also announced the 20-man strong squad that will take on Wales at Caerphilly RFC (2:30pm).
Elliott took a 39-man strong squad into camp this week to prepare for the test and he has split the squad to accommodate for the different tests posed by both opponents.
“Both squads have a big test coming up on Friday,” said Elliott. “Both games will be tough and present the boys with different types of challenges.
“We know the French side will be physical and Wales will put up a big fight as well so this is a fantastic opportunity for these lads to experience what it’s like to play in an international game and give them valuable experience which will help continue their development.
“Pulling on the national jersey is one of the greatest moments for a player at any level and we’re delighted to be giving the lads that opportunity this week and I’m really looking forward to seeing them in action.”
Lewis Galbraith, Ben Parry, Greg Richards and Andre Savelio have been selected to face France while Kane Ditchfield and Oliver Davies will have the opportunity to wear the national jersey against Wales.
England Youth Squad to face France:
1 – Curtis Naughton (Bradford Bulls / Shaw Cross Sharks)
2 – Arron Lewczenko (Wigan Warriors / Orrell St James)
3 – Josh Casey (Bradford Bulls / Siddall ARFC)
4 – Lewis Galbraith (St. Helens / Saddleworth Rangers)
5 – Ben Parry (St Helens / Chorley Panthers)
6 – Ryan Hampshire (Wigan Warriors / Normanton ARLFC)
7 – George Williams (Wigan Warriors / Ince Rose Bridge)
8 – Michael Learmonth (Leeds Rhinos / Hunslet Warriors)
9 – Ryan Maneely (Warrington Wolves / Saddleworth Rangers)
10 – Greg Richards (St Helens / Chorley Panthers)
11 – Jordan Baldwinson (Leeds Rhinos / Hunslet Warriors)
12 – Alex Mellor (Bradford Bulls / Kings Cross Park)
13 – William Milner (Warrington Wolves / Kings Cross Park)
14 – Scott Lee (Leeds Rhinos / Shaw Cross Sharks)
15 – Andre Savelio (St Helens / Latchford Alban)
16 – Liam Sutcliffe (Leeds Rhinos / Hunslet Warriors)
17 – Bradley Day (Leeds Rhinos / Hunslet Warriors)
18 – Alex Abbott-Tavener (Harlequins RL / Elmbridge Eagles)
England Youth squad to face Wales:
1 – Lewis Tierney (Wigan Warriors / Orrell St James)
2 – Jordan Harper (Leeds Rhinos / Normanton Knights)
3 – Ali Ibrahim (Hull FC / West Hull)
4 – Harry Lightfoot Brown (Harlequins RL / Elmbridge Eagles)
5 – Jack Logan (Hull FC / Cottingham Tigers)
6 – Ben White (Leeds Rhinos / Saddleworth Rangers)
7 – Kyle Dempsey (Wigan Warriors / Ellenborough Rangers)
8 – Zak Dewhirst (Warrington Wolves / King Cross Park)
9 – Jake Dehal Clark (Castleford Tigers / Shawcross Sharks)
10 – Bobby Tyson-Wilson (Hull FC / West Hull)
11 – Bradley Lawrence (Wigan Warriors / Ellenborough Rangers)
12 – Kane Ditchfield (St. Helens / Crossfields)
13 – Jack Anderson (Hull FC / Shawcross Sharks)
14 – Joe Keyes (Harlequins RL / Brentwood Elvers)
15 – Matthew Marsh (Hull KR / Skirlaugh Bulls)
16 – Connor Taylor (Castleford Tigers / Normanton Knights)
17 – Ryan Langton (Hull FC / Skirlaugh Bulls)
18 – Oliver Davies (St Helens / Orrell St James)
19 – Oliver Gildart (Wigan Warriors / Wigan St Patricks)
20 – Jake Shorrocks (Wigan Warriors / Wigan St Patricks)
Both of England’s games against France on Good Friday, April 22 (2.30pm) and Tuesday April 26 (2.30pm) will be played at Grattan Stadium, Bradford.
Tickets are priced at £4 Adult and £2 Concession (Under 16, Students and Over 65) and are available to purchase on the day.
The England Youth v Wales under 16s on Good Friday at Caerphilly RFC kicks off at 2.30pm. Admission is just £3 for adults and £1 for concessions.