Batchelor among six uncapped players to get call
Hull KR's James Batchelor and Leeds pair James McDonnell and Morgan Gannon are among six uncapped players called up for an England squad get-together to prepare for the autumn Ashes series.Second-row forward Batchelor has played a key role in his club's bid for a treble as they seek to add the League Leaders' Shield and, ultimately, Grand Final success to the Challenge Cup they won at Wembley in June.McDonnell has switched his allegiance to England, having represented Ireland at the last World Cup in 2022.Harry Robertson and George Delaney of St Helens as well as Owen Trout of Leigh Leopards are also called into an England squad for the first time.England face three home Tests against Australia - at Wembley on 25 October, Everton's new Hill Dickinson Stadium on 1 November and AMT Headingley on 8 November. All three Tests will be televised live in the UK by the BBC.Head coach Shaun Wane's gathering is being described officially as an "off-feet squad session" with the emphasis on giving the players some time together during a busy and physically demanding domestic season without disrupting their club commitments.The format means he has been able to call up three players who are currently recovering from long-term injuries - Warrington pair Matty Ashton and Danny Walker, and St Helens full-back Jack Welsby.Wane said: "It's been hard finding chances for the players to get together in such a busy Super League season, so it will be good for them to spend some time together thinking about the challenges ahead."England squad: Matty Ashton (Warrington Wolves), James Batchelor (Hull KR), Daryl Clark (St Helens), Ben Currie (Warrington Wolves), George Delaney (St Helens), Morgan Gannon (Leeds Rhinos), Ash Handley (Leeds Rhinos), Ethan Havard (Wigan Warriors), James Harrison (Warrington Wolves), Tom Holroyd (Leeds Rhinos), Tom Johnstone (Wakefield Trinity), Morgan Knowles (St Helens), Matty Lees (St Helens), Jez Litten (Hull KR), Mikey Lewis (Hull KR), Liam Marshall (Wigan Warriors), James McDonnell (Leeds Rhinos), Mike McMeeken (Wakefield Trinity), Elliot Minchella (Hull KR), Robbie Mulhern (Leigh Leopards), Harry Newman (Leeds Rhinos), Junior Nsemba (Wigan Warriors), Mikolaj Oledzki (Leeds Rhinos), Brad O'Neill (Wigan Warriors), Harry Robertson (St Helens), Harry Smith (Wigan Warriors), Luke Thompson (Wigan Warriors), Owen Trout (Leigh Leopards), Danny Walker (Warrington Wolves), Jake Wardle (Wigan Warriors), Jack Welsby (St Helens), George Williams (Warrington Wolves).
A chance to foster team spirit - analysis
While on-pitch sessions might be hard to come by for England head coach Shaun Wane because of an unrelenting domestic schedule, he at least has the ability to bring together his squad for some team building and acclimatisation.The make-up of the squad is interesting. There are those who have earned their place for consistency in England colours such as Harry Smith, Mike McMeeken, George Williams and Daryl Clark, and those who despite infancy as international players are essential picks, such as Junior Nsemba.Then there are those who have played their way into contention. Leigh's Owen Trout has showed his athleticism and versatility as a pack-man, playing second row and front row with ease, while the exciting Harry Robertson comes in having offered St Helens depth in a number of backline roles. Leeds' back-row pair of Morgan Gannon and James McDonnell have also shown consistency and combination at club level.Wane has tapped into Hull KR's presence as a Super League force with James Batchelor following in brother Joe's footsteps to earn international recognition, alongside Elliot Minchella, Jez Litten and reigning Man of Steel Mikey Lewis.Unfortunately, Wane won't get to run the rule over this exciting mix of talent - which will later in the year be bolstered by the NRL-based players - on the paddock but he will get a chance to assess those personalities.Players have spoken glowingly of Wane's camps from a team-moulding perspective so if nothing else, it will continue to foster a sense of 'team' within players who spend a season bashing each other and then combine as one to face their greatest opponent yet in the Kangaroos.
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