Rugby League World Cup: England v Papua New Guinea team news as Brian McDermott makes two changes
The team lists are in for Friday’s clash between England and Papua New Guinea in the Rugby League World Cup
England coach Brian McDermott has made two changes to his squad ahead of Friday’s meeting with Papua New Guinea in the Rugby League World Cup.
Dolphins forward Morgan Knowles, formerly of St Helens, is set to make his first appearance in this year’s tournament, having been named to start at loose forward.
The 29-year-old had originally been named at prop for England’s opener against Tonga, but was a late withdrawal due to injury, which also kept him out of last Saturday’s 82-0 win over France.
As a result of Knowles being named at 13, Sydney Roosters star Victor Radley moves to the bench for Friday’s clash with the Kumuls.
Wigan Warriors hooker Brad O’Neill has been left out of McDermott’s provisional 19-man squad, with Hull KR man Jez Litten set to start at hooker this weekend. O’Neill, who was crowned this year’s Steve Prescott MBE Man of Steel, has started at nine in both of England’s group games so far.
O’Neill is one of three players in reserve alongside Zach Eckersley and Kallum Watkins, while Brisbane Broncos prop Ben Talty drops out of the 22-man wider squad.
Teams will name six-person interchange benches throughout the Rugby League World Cup - but only four of those six players are allowed to enter the field of play.
As for Papua New Guinea, there are a number of players who Super League fans will be familiar with. St Helens centre Nene Macdonald, Hull KR forward Rhyse Martin and Leigh Leopards duo Edwin Ipape and Liam Horne are all set to start for Jason Demetriou’s side.
London Broncos star Gairo Voro - who was crowned this year’s Championship Player of the Year - will start in the halves alongside New Zealand Warriors recruit Bailey Biondi-Odo.
Kumuls boss Demetriou has made a number of changes following their 64-6 defeat to Samoa last weekend. Zac Laybutt moves to fullback, while Josh Feledy and Macdonald are the new centre pairing, with Morea Morea and Rodrick Tai making way.
Luca Moretti returns to the front-row after missing the Samoa game and Horne starts at 13 in the absence of Jack de Belin (ribs).
Prop Valentine Richard reverts to the bench alongside Zev John, Finley Glare and new faces Jacob Taulani, Sanny Wabo and Robert Mathias.
England: AJ Brimson; Dom Young, Hugo Savala, Herbie Farnworth, Matty Ashton; George Williams, Harry Smith; Max King, Jez Litten, Luke Thompson, Junior Nsemba, Kai Pearce-Paul, Morgan Knowles. Subs: Mikey Lewis, Sam Walters, Ethan Havard, Victor Radley, Ben Currie, Jack Welsby. Reserves: Brad O’Neill, Zach Eckersley, Kallum Watkins.
Papua New Guinea: Zac Laybutt; Robert Derby, Joshua Feledy, Nene Macdonald, Dudley Dotoi; Gairo Voro, Bailey Biondi-Odo; Epel Kapinias, Edwin Ipape, Luca Moretti, Rhyse Martin, Nixon Putt, Liam Horne. Subs: Finley Glare, Jacob Taulani, Robert Mathias, Sanny Wabo, Valentine Richard, Zev John. Reserves: Morea Morea, Rodrick Tai, Alex Max.
England’s clash with Papua New Guinea takes place at WIN Stadium in Wollongong on Friday, 9:05am kick-off (GMT). The game will be broadcast live on Premier Sports 1 and Premier Player.