ENGLAND Rugby League have named a revised 28-man Elite Training Squad, which will form the nucleus of the side that will compete in this autumn’s Triangular tournament against France and Wales.
England coach Steve McNamara has kept faith with the majority of players that were selected in his initial squad back in March – and that means call ups for James Roby, Jon Wilkin and Jonny Lomax.
Warrington Wolves’ Ryan Atkins and Hull FC’s Danny Tickle are included after featuring in the International Origin series against the Exiles earlier this summer.
“With the Rugby League World Cup just over 12 months away our planning and preparation will step up over the year ahead to make sure we are competitive and ready to make a huge impact on the tournament,” said McNamara. “Ultimately, my ambition is to have a squad capable of winning the World Cup for the first time since 1972 and we are heading in the right direction.
“Every opportunity with the players’ I have is vital. We have some exciting plans that will make us the best prepared side to come from these shores in history.”
From the squad selected in March, five players have missed out – Ryan Bailey (Leeds Rhinos), Warrington centre Chris Bridge, Ian Henderson (Catalan Dragons) and East Yorkshire pair Kris Welham (Hull KR) and Kirk Yeaman (Hull FC).
Full details of where England will play in the Triangular tournament, including dates and kick off times, will be announced in due course.
England Elite Training Squad:
Carl Ablett, Ryan Atkins, Tom Briscoe, Danny Brough, Rob Burrow, Garreth Carvell, Josh Charnley, Rangi Chase, Eorl Crabtree, Leroy Cudjoe, Ryan Hall, Zak Hardaker, Gareth Hock, Ben Jones-Bishop, Jamie Jones-Buchanan, Jonny Lomax, Danny McGuire, Michael McIlorum, Adrian Morley, Lee Mossop, Sean O’Loughlin, James Roby, Kevin Sinfield, Danny Tickle, Sam Tomkins, Kallum Watkins, Ben Westwood, Jon Wilkin.
