ENGLAND coach Stuart Barrow has confirmed Fran Goldthorp will be in contention for this autumn’s World Cup.
The North Queensland Cowboys back is making her first return to the international set-up since 2024 after spending the last NRLW off-season back in the UK playing rugby union with Loughborough.
“Fran had an exceptional season in the NRLW and she will come back to us full of confidence,” added Barrow.
“She’s really looking forward to joining back up with the group next month and is fully committed to England Rugby League for this year and the World Cup.
“She’s excited to be part of it and will be fighting for a place for when we go to Australia in October.
“Having her and Leah (Burke) back will really add some firepower to us as well as competition for places, which is what we want in every position.
“The strength of the squad is improving in every position and we’ve made the girls very aware that just because they’re in this squad now, it doesn’t mean they’ll be going to the World Cup. There’ll be people over the course of the year who’ll force their way into contention for this squad.
“But these players are in the prime spot and it’s up to them to keep their places.”
NRLW star Hollie-Mae Dodd has also been selected and trained at the weekend, while Georgia Roche also remains part of the squad but will link up later in the year as she is now living full-time in Australia.