Bennett leaves out two Warriors

Wayne Bennett has revealed his team to face New Zealand '“ and two Wigan players are making way.
By The Newsroom
Published 28th Oct 2016, 10:58 BST
Updated 31st Oct 2016, 09:54 BST
Wayne Bennett has picked his squadWayne Bennett has picked his squad
Wayne Bennett has picked his squad

England open their Four Nations campaign tomorrow at a sold-out John Smith’s Stadium in Huddersfield.

All four Warriors in the England squad – John Bateman, Dan Sarginson, George Williams and Liam Farrell – were named in the provisional 19-man panel.

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But after captain’s run this morning, Bennett confirmed to reporters that Williams and Farrell will not be in the team.

Farrell, man of the match in the Grand Final, has lost out to Elliot Whitehead and club-mate Bateman for a second-row spot. Mike Cooper, on the bench, can cover back-row and prop.

And Williams’ absence suggests Gareth Widdop and Luke Gale – who started in the halves in the 40-6 win against France – will get the nod against the Kiwis.

Sarginson will start in the centres after being picked in the squad ahead of St Helens’ Mark Percival.

Thomas Leuluai, returning to Wigan next season, is in the New Zealand squad for the BBC-televised game, which kicks off at 2.30pm.

Related topics:EnglandNew ZealandWiganJohn BatemanGareth WiddopGeorge Williams