Could Danny Walker start for England at World Cup?

The former St Helens, Bradford and Great Britain half-back tipped Wire hooker Danny Walker to be England's starting hooker in the season-ending Rugby League World Cup – perhaps a measure of the progress he has made of late.

Leon Pryce backed Danny Walker to start for England during the World Cup later this year. Picture by SWPix.com

The 22-year-old will start against Castleford Tigers on Thursday in the absence of Daryl Clark, who is ruled out under concussion protocol.

As well as being Walker's competitor for the starting shirt at club level, Clark will no doubt be keen to take the hooking role for Shaun Wane's national side – and another rival to them both will be Walker's direct opposite on Thursday.

With Paul McShane lining up at dummy-half for the Tigers, head coach Daryl Powell says outshining the former Man of Steel will do Walker's chances of living up to Pryce's prediction no harm.

Danny Walker in action against Leeds. Picture by SWPix.com

"That’s going to depend on Danny and the season he has. He’s certainly got potential to play at the very top level," he said.

"Obviously, there’s some key challenges there not least Daryl Clark here and Paul McShane who’ll be his opposite on Thursday.

"For Danny to go up against Paul McShane and prove what he’s about is a great opportunity for him.

"He’s a quality player, Danny. He’s had a really, really good pre-season and I thought he did some great stuff coming off the bench at the weekend.

"He gets out, runs and probes and his passing game is really good.

"He’s got some creativity around the ruck area and his defence was pretty stiff as well, so I think he’s a really good all-round nine who’s just going to continue to get better."

Walker looks set to be joined in the starting line-up by fellow Warringtonian Connor Wrench, who looks set to keep his place in the centres.

The 19-year-old scored the winning try in Saturday's season-opening 22-20 victory at Headingley as well as making 164 metres – more than anyone from both sides bar Leeds winger Ash Handley.

Connor Wrench scores Wire's winning try. Picture by PA Wire

However, Powell called on Wrench to "back himself a little bit more" when it comes to using his impressive physical attributes.

"He’s got to keep pushing, growing and getting better," he said.

"If you look at his physical attributes, he’s exceptionally fast and has got footwork that any player would be pleased to have.

"From that perspective, he’s awesome and he could get right to the very top.

"In terms of his development as a centre, there’s a few key areas he’s got to pick up and he’s got a couple of players here he can learn a lot from.

"I’d like him to back himself a little bit more – he’s that fast that he’s so difficult to deal with and he just needs to believe it a little bit more.

"The more his confidence grows, the better he’s going to be and that’s going to be pivotal for him over the remainder of this season."