Number of fresh faces given first chance to stake claim

JEZ LITTEN, Jack Brown and Liam Tindall are among the fresh faces in Paul Anderson’s England Knights squad for later in the year.

Hooker Litten joins fellow Hull KR youngster Mikey Lewis in the 27-strong squad after becoming an integral part of Tony Smith’s side.

Tindall is one of four Leeds Rhinos players in the squad, along with Jack Broadbent, Morgan Gannon and Tom Holroyd.

The 20-year-old has been rewarded for a series of lively performances for the Rhinos this season.

Brown – a stand-out performer in the Hull FC pack – has also been called up for the first time and will link up with club teammate Jordan Lane.

Huddersfield Giants duo Matty English and Will Pryce have been included, while Jake Trueman is Castleford Tigers’ sole representative.

Details of the Knights’ fixtures have yet to be confirmed but three meetings have been scheduled for May, July and August.

In those meetings, Anderson will outline what is expected from the players in an England environment.

“Most of these players have come through the England Pathways programme, which is all about investing in the future of England Rugby League,” said the Knights head coach.

“Our job is to prepare our future full internationals for the next step – the senior international team.

“The Knights is about developing talent, preparing well and competing hard.

“With that in mind, we want as many as possible to come through our talent pathway and force themselves into contention for England selections, and ultimately, go on to win World Cups.”