International Rugby League is back next month, with Shaun Wane having recently announced his 31-player performance squad for the historic England v Samoa two-game Test series.
With the seasons drawing to the business end in both the northern and southern hemisphere, here’s another look at how some of the England players performed over the weekend...
Jake Wardle and Liam Marshall continued to be a lethal left edge for Wigan Warriors, scoring a try each and both assisting one another in Round 26 of the Betfred Super League. Could this connection feature against Samoa for the first time?
All six England players from Warrington Wolves starred at the weekend. Matty Ashton was a hat-trick hero for his side, while veteran Ben Currie was once again one of the top tacklers for his team – making 28 tackles on Saturday.
Danny Walker and James Harrison made a massive impact in the 55 and 40 minutes they played respectively. Meanwhile, workhorse John Bateman stood up in both attack and defence in an impressive 80 minute stint.
England captain, George Williams, provided four fantastic try assists in the Wolves’ 0-66 thrashing of Huddersfield Giants, which can only excite England fans for what’s to come this autumn…
Another England halfback, Mikey Lewis, stole the show for Hull KR with two tries and one try assist. If him and Williams end up partnering in the halves for the upcoming Test series, then we should expect a devastating and an explosive attacking display.
St Helens returned to winning ways and England star Jack Welsby helped to build Saints’ momentum, contributing the assist to their second try at the Totally Wicked.
Over in the NRL, Dom Young featured for Sydney Roosters in the first week of the NRL finals. His side were defeated 30-18 by three-time Premiers Penrith Panthers but will have another chance in week two.
Newcastle Knights bowed out of the NRL finals after a tight loss in their Eliminator against North Queensland Cowboys. Appearing for them was England’s Kai Pearce-Paul, whose focus can now turn to the eagerly-anticipated England internationals…
Tickets for the England v Samoa two-game Test series are available to buy now at rugby-league.com/tickets with prices starting per test match from £25 Adults and £12.50 Under 16s.
The new England RL shirt can also be purchased now from Oxen’s Elite Pro Sports online store.
