JAMES Roby will start for England when they face the Exiles in Saturday’s International Origin opening game at Langtree Park, St Helens, kick-off 6.45pm.
England coach Steve McNamara today confirmed debuts for Wigan Warriors winger Josh Charnley and Leeds Rhinos Carl Ablett who will both start, with Wigan forward Lee Mossop starting from the bench.
Charnley will partner Ablett on the right flank with Warrington Wolves centre Ryan Atkins, returning to the England set-up for the first time since October 2010, playing alongside Rhinos winger Ryan Hall on the left edge.
Hull FC’s Danny Tickle and Wigan duo Gareth Hock and Sean O’Loughlin have been selected in a new-look England back row.
Hull winger Tom Briscoe, St Helens’ Jon Wilkin and Huddersfield Giants’ pair Danny Brough and Leroy Cudjoe have missed the cut and will not feature in the clash at Langtree Park.
“It has been a really tough decision in naming the 17 that will take on the Exiles,” said national coach McNamara. “The four players who have missed out are disappointed and could’ve quite easily featured. That is the nature of international sport and it is gratifying that we have real quality in the squad that the likes of Tom Briscoe, Danny Brough, Jon Wilkin and Leroy Cudjoe miss out this time. They will respond and will be stronger for the experience.
“It is testament to the England Knights programme that Josh (Charnley) and Lee (Mossop) have come through the system to be part of the current elite squad. I’m looking forward to seeing some of the debutants involved. Josh (Charnley) has been in scintillating form with Wigan and deserves his place in the team. I have been very pleased with the partnership he is forging with Carl Ablett and they are looking a formidable pairing on the right.
“The make-up of the side looks very exciting, with the right blend of youth and experience. We are expecting a major test against the Exiles and the intensity, if last year’s match is anything to go by, will be like playing a test match against Australia or New Zealand. The fans will be in for a treat seeing the best players in our domestic competition go at it for the full 80 minutes. It will be a terrific contest.”
Tickets for the opening fixture at Langtree Park, St Helens, on Saturday June 16 (6.45pm) cost from £18 (£9 concessions) for standing and £21 (£10 concessions) seating. Details are here.
England Squad:
1. Sam Tomkins; 2. Josh Charnley, 3. Carl Ablett, 4. Ryan Atkins, 5. Ryan Hall; 6. Kevin Sinfield, 7. Rangi Chase; 8. Eorl Crabtree, 9. James Roby, 10. Jamie Peacock, 11. Gareth Hock, 12. Danny Tickle, 13. Sean O’Loughlin.
Subs: 14. Rob Burrow, 15. Garreth Carvell, 16. Lee Mossop, 17. Jamie Jones-Buchanan.
