England youngsters push for national team spots
England youngsters push for national team spots in Rugby League World Cup with performance squad announced.
With the Rugby League World Cup just two months away, every Super League player is vying for a spot on the plane to Australia.
Back in June, new England head coach Brian McDermott announced a 38-man performance squad, including 10 uncapped players, to prepare for the tournament.
Leeds Rhinos star Jake Connor, who hasn’t played for England in seven years, was overlooked by former coach Shaun Wane for the 3-0 Ashes defeat at home to Australia last autumn. He’s now back in contention.
The 10 new players in the squad include Wakefield Trinity’s Jake Trueman and Caleb Hamlin-Uele, Wigan Warriors’ Sam Walters and Zach Eckersley, Hull KR’s Dean Hadley, and St Helens’ Harry Robertson.
Related: Ruby White congratulates Sakshi Chaudhary
Some players not in the 38-man squad may make a late surge into the team.
One such player is Tom Holroyd, the 25-year-old prop from Leeds Rhinos. He’s been in incredible form, with his physicality and impact making him a standout player.
His head coach, Brad Arthur, believes Holroyd has to be considered for a place on the plane, saying, “I think Cameron (Smith) and Tom are showing off the bench that they could provide a really good option for that team,”
“Tom, with his impact and his aggression, and Cameron – he comes on, and he can just change the point of attack with his footwork, his pass, and his offload.
Related: Red Sox Prospect Homers in Rehab Debut
“And I just think if you’re going to try and beat Australia, you’re not going to be able to defend your way to victory; you’re going to need to be able to score points and both of those guys can help with that.”
Umyla Hanley, the 24-year-old centre from Leigh Leopards, is another player who’s been impressing. Since returning from injury, Hanley has been in great form, especially in attack.
Leigh head coach Adrian Lam has praised Hanley.
England head coach Brian McDermott has a difficult decision to make.
