International Rugby League is heading to AMT Headingley Stadium on Saturday, as England host Samoa in the second match of the ABK Beer International Series.
A strong England performance, sees them head to Leeds with the advantage, however, Ben Gardiner’s Samoa will be looking to inflict defeat on England.
The 34-18 victory at the Brick Community Stadium was started through in-from centre, Herbie Farnworth, who was making his first appearance in an England shirt since the World Cup Semi-Final defeat to Samoa.
Matty Ashton proved to be a threat on the wing. The Warrington winger has now scored five tries in just four appearances for England. Ashton featured in England’s last appearance at Headingley, scoring a try in the 26-4 success over Tonga.
Shaun Wane will have Luke Thompson at his disposal this weekend. The prop missed the opening match due to a 1-match suspension which he received following Wigan’s Grand Final success.
Leeds Rhinos fans may be able to catch a first glimpse of new signing, Keenan Palasia. The front-rower will join the Rhinos in 2025 from Gold Coast Titans and will on Saturday get to experience his new home ground for the upcoming season.
Harry Newman will stand alongside Palasia next season, however, he will be in opposition on Saturday. Newman will have fond memories of wearing an England shirt at Headingley. The centre finished off an amazing try last season, which saw Harry Smith pick him out with an inch perfect cross field kick.
The second match is set to be a fiercely contested affair, should it follow in the same fashion as game one.
Shaun Wane makes two changes. Tom Burgess and Dom Young both drop out of the 19-player squad. Luke Thompson returns from injury, meanwhile, Liam Marshall could recieve his first cap as he comes into the squad.
England 19-player squad: Matty Ashton, John Bateman, Daryl Clark, Ben Currie, Herbie Farnworth, Ethan Havard, Morgan Knowles, Matty Lees, Mikey Lewis, Liam Marshall, Mike McMeeken, Harry Newman, Junior Nsemba,Kai Pearce-Paul, Victor Radley, Harry Smith, Luke Thompson, Jack Welsby, George Williams
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.
