SEVERAL Wire players are unlucky not to be in the England squad for the mid-season Test against New Zealand, head coach Steve Price says.

Chris Hill and Stefan Ratchford are the club’s only representatives in Wayne Bennett’s 19-man squad for the game on June 23, which will be played at Sports Authority Field in Denver, Colorado.

Daryl Clark and Mike Cooper - both members of England’s elite performance squad - missed out on selection.

Price says he “felt for” his players who did not make the cut, but says Hill and Ratchford have an immense opportunity to grow the game in the United States.

On the other hand, he feels they could have been joined in the historic meeting with the Kiwis by several other Wire teammates.

“Hilly and Stef have been playing some really good football this year and I’m pleased they got the call,” he said.

“We all have a duty to grow our great game and there’s no better opportunity to show it over in the States.

“I felt for a couple of lads in our team. Some of them have been playing some really good stuff and could have got a call-up.

“I’ve been really happy with how Daz Clark has been going. He’s been one of our best performers to date.

“Mike Cooper’s been great and since Josh Charnley has come back, I definitely know he’ll have been putting pressure on the two incumbent wingers.

“I’m sure Jack Hughes’ name has been bobbed around the coaches and selectors as well.”