Excited coach Paul Anderson says England Knights are as much about the future as the present.
But for some members of his latest 27-strong squad, the future could start this Autumn.
With any fixtures yet to be confirmed, Anderson’s picks will join in the monthly England senior squad sessions run by Shaun Wane as he continues the build-up to this year’s World Cup.
And, along with their club form, that will provide the perfect opportunity to catch the eye.
“Through the Knights programme we’re investing in the future of England Rugby League,” said Anderson, who has included four players, Hull duo Joe Cator and Jordan Lane, Leeds’ Alex Mellor and Castleford’s Jacques O’Neill, for the first time.
“The Knights are part of a performance pathway from schoolboy level upwards and I am excited about the prospect of working with the players who have reached this stage of their development.
“My job is to prepare them for the next step – the senior international team.
“Shaun is very clear about what he wants and expects from the Knights, and I’m very clear about supporting him.”
Nine Super League clubs are represented in the latest squad, with Wigan leading the way with five representatives – Ethan Harvard, Liam Marshall, Oliver Partington, Harry Smith and Morgan Smithies.
Squad: Matty Ashton, Rob Butler (both Warrington), Tom Davies (Catalans), Matty English (Huddersfield), Joe Cator (Hull), Ethan Havard (Wigan), Jordan Lane (Hull), George Lawler (Hull KR), Matty Lees (St Helens), Kruise Leeming (Leeds), Darnell McIntosh (Huddersfield), Liam Marshall (Wigan), Alex Mellor, Mikolaj Oledzki (both Leeds), Jacques O’Neill (Castleford), Oliver Partington (Wigan), Danny Richardson (Castleford), Aaron Smith (St Helens), Cameron Smith (Leeds), Harry Smith, Morgan Smithies (both Wigan), Jake Trueman (Castleford), Danny Walker (Warrington), Jake Wardle (Huddersfield), Jack Welsby (St Helens), Matt Whitley (Catalans), Oliver Wilson (Huddersfield).
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