THE six Warrington Wolves players in contention for England’s post-season Test series against Samoa will discover whether or not they have made the cut next week.
There is likely to be strong Wire representation in the final squad, which will be revealed on Tuesday as head coach Shaun Wane narrows down his 31-man performance squad.
Skipper George Williams is set to captain the side again while Matty Ashton, John Bateman, Ben Currie, James Harrison and Danny Walker will all be hoping to be involved in the two-Test series, which starts at Wigan’s Brick Community Stadium on Sunday, October 27, before moving onto Headingley the following Sunday, November 2.
Samoa have confirmed their touring squad today and they will be captained by half-back Jarome Luai, who is fresh from starring in Penrith Panthers’ fourth straight NRL Grand Final win.
Former cross-code New Zealand international Roger Tuisvasa-Sheck is also named having pledged his allegiance to the country of his birth, while Leigh Leopards duo John Asiata and Ricky Leutele provide Super League representation.
“Samoa have named a strong squad, no surprises there,” Wane said today.
“They’ve got world-class talent across the park, and we know exactly what they’re capable of.
“We respect their strengths, but we’re focused on ourselves. We’ve been preparing hard, learning from our previous encounters, and fine-tuning our game.
“They got the better of us last time in a tough battle, but we’re ready for the challenge ahead and excited to face them again. They are going to be two fantastic Tests.”
England performance squad:
Matty Ashton, John Bateman (both Warrington Wolves), Tom Burgess (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Daryl Clark (St Helens), Ben Currie (Warrington Wolves), Tyler Dupree (Wigan Warriors), Herbie Farnworth (Dolphins), James Harrison (Warrington Wolves), Ethan Havard (Wigan Warriors), Chris Hill (Huddersfield Giants), Tom Johnstone (Catalans Dragons), Morgan Knowles, Matty Lees (both St Helens), Mikey Lewis, Jez Litten (both Hull KR), Liam Marshall (Wigan Warriors), Mike McMeeken (Catalans Dragons), Elliot Minchella (Hull KR), Robbie Mulhern (Leigh Leopards), Harry Newman (Leeds Rhinos), Junior Nsemba (Wigan Warriors), Kai Pearce-Paul (Newcastle Knights), Victor Radley (Sydney Roosters), Harry Smith (Wigan Warriors), Morgan Smithies (Canberra Raiders), Luke Thompson (Wigan Warriors), Danny Walker (Warrington Wolves), Jake Wardle (Wigan Warriors), Jack Welsby (St Helens), George Williams (Warrington Wolves), Dom Young (Sydney Roosters)
Samoa touring squad:
Jarome Luai (Penrith Panthers, captain), John Asiata (Leigh Leopards), Shawn Blore (Melbourne Storm), Luciano Leilua (St George Illawarra Dragons), Ricky Leutele (Leigh Leopards), Terrell May (Sydney Roosters), Deine Mariner (Brisbane Broncos), Anthony Milford (Dolphins), Francis Molo (St George Illawarra Dragons), Jeremiah Nanai (North Queensland Cowboys), Josiah Pahulu (Gold Coast Titans), Junior Pauga (Sydney Roosters), Keenan Palasia (Gold Coast Titans), Paul Roache (NZ Warriors), Simi Sasagi (Canberra Raiders), Jeral Skelton (Wests Tigers), Izack Tago (Penrith Panthers), Jake Tago (Parramatta Eels), Blaize Talagi (Penrith Panthers), Jazz Tevaga, Gordon Chan Kum Tong (both Manly Sea Eagles), Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (Warriors), Lazarus Vaalepu (Melbourne Storm)
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