England suffer double blow with superstar ruled out of Tonga series alongside Saints forward

Young, 22, enjoyed a successful 2023 season in the NRL with Newcastle Knights, finishing as the competition’s top try-scorer, and was called to return to the international scene as part of Shaun Wane’s 24-player squad.

The prolific winger enjoyed nine tries in five appearances during last year’s World Cup, but did not feature in the opening 22-18 series win over Kristian Woolf’s side at the Totally Wicked Stadium.

England have confirmed that the Sydney Roosters-bound man had to have an abscess drained last week and remains in hospital, meaning he will play no part in the series.

Meanwhile, St Helens forward Morgan Knowles has been ruled out due to a thumb injury.

The 26-year-old featured from the bench on his club’s home ground on Sunday but will now be forced to watch the remaining two games in Huddersfield and Leeds respectively from the sidelines.

Head coach Wane will continue the series with a 22-player squad, with George Williams still suspended.

“Despite losing two players, I am still extremely confident that the squad I have selected is strong enough to win this series against Tonga,” the ex-Wigan boss said.

“Tom Johnstone and Tommy Makinson both impressed me at the weekend and we have another terrific winger in Matty Ashton who is pushing to force his way into the side.

“We’ve also got a number of forwards who can slot into the team in Morgan’s absence – Tyler Dupree, Robbie Mulhern and Liam Farrell all didn’t feature this past weekend and could come in.”