Warrington and England forward Chris Hill has backed the players drafted in by Wayne Bennett for Saturday’s game against Scotland to make the required difference this weekend.
Bennett revealed earlier this week that he will bring in a number of players as part of changes for the game at the Ricoh Arena – which England have to win to keep their hopes of making the final alive.
And Hill, who could line up alongside Scott Taylor in a revamped front row on Saturday, has backed the men brought in to make their mark: starting with Taylor, who will replace vice-captain James Graham.
“I don’t think Scott has been impressed with my coffee in the room – we roomed together and he ended up splitting from me,” Hill joked.”
“He’s a good lad and I’ve played against him a few times. He deserved his spot against France and was probably really unlucky to miss out at the weekend. You can see he’s got it in him and he’ll grow with experience. Hopefully this weekend will be another experience for him.
Another man expected to be brought in is Wigan half-back George Williams – and having played against him in the Grand Final as recently as a month ago, Hill is fully aware of the ability Williams possesses.
“George is really good and has a lot of experience for a young kid,” he said. “I think he’ll do a great job. He’s a real threat when he’s running the ball and has probably been the difference in matches between Wigan and Warrington. His running threat hurts teams and he’s deceptively strong. He’ll bring something different to us.”
One man who could be also brought in is Hill’s Warrington team-mate Stefan Ratchford: and the England prop has backed Ratchford to take his chance if selected.
“Stefan is probably one of the unluckiest people to have not played for England before the France game and maybe his versatility has probably let him down a little bit as he’s not been able to hold down one position,” he said. “He’s been outstanding for Warrington, whether you stick him at stand off, centre or full back. If he gets a game he’ll be ready and raring to go and will bring something different.”
