England v Tonga: England captain George Williams returns from suspension for final Test

England v Tonga: England captain George Williams returns from suspension for final Test


George Williams
George Williams succeeded former Wigan team-mate Sam Tomkins as England captain
Venue: Headingley Rugby Stadium, Leeds Date: Saturday, 4 November Kick-off: 14:30 GMT
Coverage: Live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer; live text updates on the BBC Sport website and app

England captain George Williams returns for the final Test of the series against Tonga on Saturday after serving a two-game suspension.

The Warrington Wolves half-back replaces Mikey Lewis, who was named player of the match in the first Test, in the 19-player squad.

Head coach Shaun Wane has made a number of changes to his side with England leading the series 2-0.

Warrington’s Ben Currie is set for his first appearance of the series.

Prop Tyler Dupree also comes into the squad after making his international debut in April against France.

“It’s great to be able to welcome George back into the fold as England captain. Mikey [Lewis] has been brilliant in the opening two games, but I had always said George would come back in once his suspension was served,” Wane said.

“I’m really confident that the squad I’ve selected can get the job done and finish the series in style in front of a packed house in Leeds.”

Williams’ ban stemmed from a shoulder charge during Warrington’s Betfred Super League play-off defeat by St Helens.

Robbie Mulhern is set to make his first appearance for England since 2018 after winning this year’s Challenge Cup with Leigh Leopards.

Despite England holding an unassailable lead in the three-game series, Wane said his side are “obsessed” with claiming a 3-0 series clean sweep.

Morgan Smithies and Warrington’s Josh Thewlis, who were both called up earlier in the week, are included in the 19-man squad.

Smithies this week left Wigan Warriors to join NRL side Canberra Raiders.

“I’m really pleased to be able to give everyone who was named in my original squad the opportunity to feature in this series,” Wane said.

“Robbie, Tyler and Ben have all had impressive seasons at club level and deserve their call-up into the side for this final game against Tonga.”

Injuries have ruled out Sydney Roosters’ Victor Radley, centre Toby King and winger Tommy Makinson.

England squad: Matty Ashton (Warrington Wolves), John Bateman (Wests Tigers), Tom Burgess (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Daryl Clark, Ben Currie (both Warrington Wolves), Tyler Dupree (Wigan Warriors), Chris Hill (Huddersfield Giants), Tom Johnstone (Catalans Dragons), Matty Lees (St Helens), Mike McMeeken (Catalans Dragons), Robbie Mulhern (Leigh Leopards), Harry Newman (Leeds Rhinos), Harry Smith (Wigan Warriors), Morgan Smithies (Canberra Raiders), Josh Thewlis, Danny Walker (both Warrington Wolves), Jack Welsby (St Helens), Elliott Whitehead (Canberra Raiders), George Williams (Warrington Wolves).



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