Myler seizes chance after securing England recall

Richie Myler was so certain that his England career was over that he had booked a post-season holiday to Dubai – but after making the most of an unexpected second chance, he should instead have New Zealand on his mind.

Leeds’s player of the year marked his first England appearance for six years with a try-scoring display. Myler, only called up when Luke Gale joined the list of injured halfbacks, is now in position to face the Kiwis in a three-test series.

He set up England’s eighth and last try with a kick that Jake Connor met to complete his 14-point haul.

Wayne Bennett, the England coach, praised the leadership Myler showed in a new-look side featuring eight debutants. “He is a good talker,” the Australian said. “His organisation was good and he kept moving the guys around the park.”

If Myler savoured his second coming as an England player, Tom Johnstone enjoyed a belated debut. A year ago, he was seeing a therapist to overcome the disappointment caused by a cruciate ligament injury. The Wakefield winger marked his international debut with a 15-minute hat-trick as England cruised to a 38-0 lead at the break.

“He has certainly got a future on the wing for England,” said Bennett, although he hinted Tommy Makinson and Jermaine Mcgillvary may start in Hull next Saturday.

Luke Thompson was the other debutant to score but, with nine Wigan and Warrington players set to return after being rested following the Grand Final, some newcomers will drop out of the side.

“I learned a bit,” said Bennett. “It was the type of game we needed.”