England coach Steve McNamara has rested Sam Tomkins for the second match of the International Origin series against the Exiles.
Coach calls up trio, rests some of his more experienced players
Steve McNamara has made five changes to his England squad for the second match of the International Origin series against the Exiles.
Warrington's Stefan Ratchford and Salford duo Matty Smith and Jodie Broughton have been drafted in after impressing for the England Knights against Ireland.
Leeds pair Ryan Hall and Kevin Sinfield and Wigan's Sam Tomkins and Sean O'Loughlin have all been rested.
As expected, Castleford's reigning Man of Steel Rangi Chase has been dropped pending the outcome of an investigation by his club into an alleged breach of discipline
St Helens' Jonny Lomax comes into contention with Smith, and Huddersfield Giants scrum-half Danny Brough, to form a new-look half-back partnership.
Opportunity
"The second Exiles game gives me the opportunity to see some of the players that have been part of the Elite Training Squad and the England Knights programme in what should be a physical contest against a very good side," commented McNamara, whose side won the opening match 18-10.
"Stefan (Ratchford), Matty (Smith) and Jodie (Broughton) were excellent for the Knights against Ireland last month and deserve their call up to the senior squad.
"I'm looking forward to seeing their next phase of development and how they adapt in the elite squad."
Leeds Rhinos' Jamie Peacock announced his retirement from international rugby league earlier this week and McNamara is yet to decide who will replace the veteran forward as captain.
McNamara has confirmed whoever leads the team for the game at the Galpharm Stadium will only retain the armband temporarily.
"I have a number of options in respect of the new captain for England and I'm in no hurry to make an announcement," he continued. "The captain I appoint for the Exiles game will be just for that game.
"I will keep an open mind and assess a number of factors before revealing who will take the team forward as our leader on the field. We have a number of strong candidates both here in the Super League and also from the England players playing in the NRL."
England squad: Carl Ablett, Ryan Atkins, Tom Briscoe, Danny Brough, Jodie Broughton, Rob Burrow, Garreth Carvell, Josh Charnley, Eorl Crabtree, Leroy Cudjoe, Gareth Hock, Jamie Jones-Buchanan, Jonny Lomax, Lee Mossop, Stefan Ratchford, James Roby, Matty Smith, Danny Tickle, Jon Wilkin.
