Winfield-Hill, Bennett forced to delay England debuts

Published by IntRL

11 Jun 2022

Australian-born former WBBL cricketer Courtney Winfield-Hill has been forced to postpone her England debut due to COVID and will miss Sunday's Test against Wales, along with Leeds Rhinos team-mate Keara Bennett.

Winfield-Hill, who was a pace bowler for Brisbane Heat and Queensland Fire, was the 2019 Woman of Steel winner and qualifies for England on residency grounds.

However, the 35-year-old Leeds halfback and captain, who played for Sydney Roosters at the 2020 NRL Nines in Perth, will have to wait until next weekend's Test against France for her first opportunity to pull on an England jersey after failing to produce a negative COVID test in time to play.

She initially tested positive to COVID last weekend.

Bennett has also had to withdraw due to illness and England coach Craig Richards has drafted in St Helens duo Beth Stott and Tara Jones for Sunday's Test against Wales.

Stott made her international debut in the 60-0 victory over Wales last season at the Halliwell Jones Stadium and Jones will earn her ninth England cap should she feature on Sunday.

“Of course it is disappointing to lose two players in the lead-up to the game and it’s a shame for them personally as both were going to make their England debut," Richards said.

“Fortunately for both Courtney and Keara we have another outing next weekend against France, and they will both be in contention to feature in that.

“However, it really shows the strength of the squad that we can bring in two players of Beth and Tara’s quality who already have experience on the international stage.

“There is a great competition for places amongst the squad at the moment which is fantastic heading into these mid-season internationals and the Rugby League World Cup later this year.”

England Women’s Rugby League World Cup preparations will continue next weekend as they host France at Warrington’s Halliwell Jones Stadium, as part of double-header with the Men’s clash with the Combined Nations All Stars.

England Women Squad v Wales:

Dannielle Anderson (Leeds Rhinos)
Leah Burke (St Helens)
Caroline Collie (Bedford Tigers)
Jodie Cunningham (St Helens)
Hollie Dodd (York City Knights)
Grace Field (York City Knights)
Fran Goldthorp (Leeds Rhinos)
Amy Hardcastle (St Helens)
Zoe Harris (St Helens)
Shona Hoyle (St Helens)
Tara Jones (St Helens)
Bethan Oates (Huddersfield Giants)
Georgia Roche (Leeds Rhinos)
Tara Stanley (York City Knights)
Beth Stott (St Helens)
Paige Travis (St Helens)
Vicky Whitfield (St Helens)
Georgia Wilson (Wigan Warriors)
Olivia Wood (York City Knights)