LEWIS Charnock has been named in England Academy’s 20-man squad to face Wales Academy in a two-Test series.
The 19-year-old made his debut for Saints earlier in the season.
England will take on Wales on Sunday October 13 (3.00pm) and Friday October 18 (6.30pm) at Taffs Well RFC and coach John Winder believes that junior Rugby League is thriving and that his squad can benefit from a number of players having already played in Super League.
“Whenever you select a national team it is a tough decision,” said Winder. “We have some great talent and there are good players who miss out now but they only miss out on this squad, for these Tests. The door is always open.
“One of the big strengths of the England programme is that we have players coming in who have Super League experience.
“In all England environments it is about creating a learning environment. We have a nine-day camp now which will help with the players’ process and development.
“It definitely helps to have the England Knights as a stepping stone, there is a full pathway now for the players from youth level to the Knights and eventually to the full senior squad.
“There is a really good mix of players here in this squad. We have players who have been in the England programme for the last couple of years and also we have some new fresh faces.”
