STUART Barrow has named six potential debutants in his England Women squad ahead of next weekend’s test match against France.
Wigan’s Mary Coleman, Mia-Jayne Atherton, Ellise Derbyshire and Megan Williams could all feature for the first time in Toulouse on July 25, as could Leeds pair Ella Donnolly and Evie Cousins.
The squad will reconvene in Leeds on Saturday ahead of the fixture, which will serve as an important warm-up as preparations step up for the Rugby League World Cup later this year.
Each of the Women’s Super League’s top four clubs are represented in the 19-player squad. Nine are from leaders Wigan, with early Woman of Steel contenders Jenna Foubister, Anna Davies and Eva Hunter all included.
Five Leeds Rhinos have earned call-ups, whilst captain Jodie Cunningham is one of four St Helens players included.
Tamzin Renouf is the only representative from a new-look York Valkyrie.
Whilst injuries have ruled out several players, Barrow believes the match provides an opportunity for others to showcase their skills.
He said: “Selection has been very difficult, with so much quality on show during the opening rounds of the Betfred Women’s Super League.
“We have unfortunately lost a few players to injury, which is never ideal given their contribution this season and has created some positional headaches.
“However, that creates opportunities for others, and several players come into the squad for the first time after consistently impressing with their performances and attitude. They have earned this chance.
“Every international fixture is an opportunity to represent your country with pride, but this match is especially important as we build towards our opening game against Wales at the Rugby League World Cup in October.
“France away is always a tough challenge, and that is exactly the type of test we need at this stage of our preparations.
“While our immediate focus is on delivering a strong performance in France, every training session and camp over the coming months will help shape where we need to be when the World Cup begins.
“I’m excited by the group we’ve assembled and look forward to seeing them embrace the opportunity in Toulouse.”
England Women squad: Mia-Jayne Atherton (Wigan Warriors), Keara Bennett (Leeds Rhinos), Ruby Bruce (Leeds Rhinos), Mary Coleman (Wigan Warriors), Evie Cousins (Leeds Rhinos), Jodie Cunningham (St Helens), Anna Davies (Wigan Warriors), Ellise Derbyshire (Wigan Warriors), Ella Donnelly (Leeds Rhinos), Jenna Foubister (Wigan Warriors), Shona Hoyle-Holdsworth (St Helens), Eva Hunter (Wigan Warriors), Katie Mottershead (St Helens), Lucy Murray (Leeds Rhinos), Tamzin Renouf (York Valkyrie), Isabel Rowe (Wigan Warriors), Vicky Whitfield (St Helens), Megan Williams (Wigan Warriors), Georgia Wilson (Wigan Warriors).