Six NRL players including recently-departed Vodafone Warrior Sam Tomkins have been named in England’s 24-man squad to prepare for next month’s three-Test series against the Kiwis.
Tomkins is joined by Thomas Burgess (South Sydney), Mike Cooper (St George Illawarra), James Graham (Canterbury-Bankstown), Josh Hodgson (Canberra) and Gareth Widdop (St George Illawarra).
Super League champion Leeds has three players in the squad while beaten grand finalist Wigan has six of its 2015 team included as well as Tomkins, who is returning to his old club.
The Kiwis’ tour itinerary is:
Friday, October 23 | Leeds Rhinos, Leeds | 8.00am, October 24 NZT
Sunday, November 1 | England, Hull | 6.00am, November 2 NZT
Saturday, November 7 | England, London | 3.30am, November 8 NZT
Saturday, November 14 | England, Wigan | 2.00am, November 15 NZT
ENGLAND SQUAD | TEST SERIES v KIWIS
John Bateman (Wigan Warriors)
Joe Burgess (Wigan Warriors)
Thomas Burgess (South Sydney Rabbitohs)
Mike Cooper (St George Illawarra Dragons)
Leroy Cudjoe (Huddersfield Giants)
Ben Currie (Warrington Wolves)
Liam Farrell (Wigan Warriors)
Brett Ferres (Huddersfield Giants)
Luke Gale (Castleford Tigers)
James Graham (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs)
Ryan Hall (Leeds Rhinos)
Zak Hardaker (Leeds Rhinos)
Chris Hill (Warrington Wolves)
Josh Hodgson (Canberra Raiders)
Jermaine McGillvary (Huddersfield Giants)
Sean O’Loughlin (Wigan Warriors) captain
James Roby (St Helens)
Matty Smith (Wigan Warriors)
Sam Tomkins (Vodafone Warriors)
Kallum Watkins (Leeds Rhinos)
Ben Westwood (Warrington Wolves)
Elliot Whitehead (Catalans Dragons)
Gareth Widdop (St George Illawarra Dragons)
George Williams (Wigan Warriors)
