6 Sep 2024

England name squad for Samoa series

England Head Coach Shaun Wane has named a 31-strong performance squad ahead of this autumn’s two-game series against Samoa, with the selected players set to meet for an off-field session on Monday 16 September. 

Wigan Warriors breakout star Junior Nsemba is the newest name included – and the youngest player in the squad, after turning 20 in June - after some standout performances for the reigning Betfred Super League, Challenge Cup and World Club Challenge champions. 

Nsemba’s Wigan team-mate Liam Marshall is the only other uncapped player included with the Warriors flyer leading the try-scoring charts in the Betfred Super League with 22 tries: five more than his nearest challenger.

 

 

Six Australian-based players have been selected including five players who featured in England’s Rugby League World Cup campaign in 2022 – Sydney Roosters duo Victor Radley and Dom Young, Dolphins centre Herbie Farnworth, Newcastle Knights’ Kai Pearce-Paul and South Sydney prop-forward Tom Burgess.

Canberra Raiders loose forward Morgan Smithies is the sixth NRL name included after making his international debut in last year’s 64-0 mid-season international victory over France at Warrington’s Halliwell Jones Stadium. 

John Bateman is also named after a move to Warrington from NRL side Wests Tigers midway through the 2024 season. 

The Wolves provide more players than any other club with six whilst the Warriors have six, Saints four and Hull KR three. Huddersfield Giants, Leigh Leopards and Leeds Rhinos each have one player selected with Chris Hill, Robbie Mulhern and Harry Newman amongst the 31.

 

 

On the squad, Wane said: “I’m pleased to have been able to put together a strong and talented squad as we look ahead to the end-of-season Test Matches against Samoa.

“There have been several players who have been performing consistently in both the Betfred Super League and the NRL and it has given me some real competition for places.

“With a few weeks still left in both domestic campaigns, I am expecting these players to continue to stand up at the business end of the season and earn their place in the final squad I assemble to face Samoa.

“There is definitely a bit of history and rivalry between ourselves and the Samoans following the Rugby League World Cup in 2022, and we will be hoping people come out to support us as we look for a series victory on home soil.”

England will renew their rivalry with Samoa on Sunday 27 October (230pm) at the Brick Community Stadium, Wigan, before meeting once more on Saturday 2 November (230pm) at Leeds Rhinos’ AMT Headingley Stadium. 

England confirmed earlier this week that Sam Tomkins will return to the set-up as team manager, with Andy Last and Lee Briers continuing as Wane’s assistant coaches.

Tommy Makinson was named in Wane’s squad but has withdrawn due to personal reasons.