Wigan centre Oliver Gildart has been called into the England squad for the autumn internationals.
The 22-year-old has replaced Sam Burgess in the squad after he pulled out over the weekend in order to have shoulder and wrist surgery.
Super League’s young player of the year in 2017, Gildart had been named in the England Knights squad for their tour of Papua New Guinea, but he will now be a part of Wayne Bennett’s squad during the off-season.
Gildart is due to play in Saturday’s Grand Final after his excellent performance in the semi-final helped Wigan reach the Old Trafford showpiece.
TotalRL revealed on Monday that Luke Gale has also been forced to withdraw with a knee injury, with the RFL confirming his replacement will be named early next week.
Gildart has been replaced by Niall Evalds in the England Knights squad, while Tom Lineham has also been selected after Greg Mikinin withdrew through injury.
Wigan centre, who was Super League’s Young Player of the Year in 2017 and has played an important role in the Warriors’ progress to Saturday’s Betfred Super League Grand Final, fills the place vacated by the withdrawal of Sam Burgess because of injury.