England have been dealt another hammer blow ahead of this year’s internationals with France and New Zealand – after it was revealed centre Jack Reed will miss the international programme for a fourth consecutive year.
The Brisbane Broncos star, who played in last weekend’s Grand Final, needs shoulder surgery after dislocating it twice during the loss to North Queensland Cowboys on Sunday.
His last England appearance was in the 2011 Four Nations final against Australia in Leeds.
“Jack requires shoulder surgery,” England coach Steve McNamara said. “It’s terrible luck for him.”
The loss of Reed is the second body blow for England ahead of the three-match Test series against New Zealand.
South Sydney prop George Burgess pulled out of the internationals in order to have hip surgery.
McNamara, the Sydney Roosters assistant coach who is due to fly in from Australia in time for Saturday’s Grand Final at Old Trafford, will announce his 24-man squad for the one-off Test against France and the series with the Kiwis on Sunday.
