St Helens duo Luke Thompson and Tommy Makinson called up by England
Hull FC's Jake Connor also makes the squad to face New Zealand in Denver
LUKE Thompson has made the step up to the international fold after making England’s squad.
SunSport revealed on Friday the St Helens prop was in line for his first call-up after playing a big part in their charge to the top.
Now the 23-year-old may make his debut after making national boss Wayne Bennett’s 19-man party for the Denver Test on June 23.
As predicted, George Burgess has returned after bouncing back to form with NRL side South Sydney. He will line up alongside brothers Sam and Thomas.
And Tommy Makinson is also in line to make his debut after a stunning campaign that sees St Helens still aiming for the treble of League Leaders’ Shield, Super League title and Challenge Cup.
Hull’s Jake Connor is also in the running after being rewarded for his fine season.
As well as the three Burgess brothers, James Graham, Gareth Widdop and Elliott Whitehead will also travel from Australia, even though NRL clubs have kicked up a stink over the concept.
Canberra hooker Josh Hodgson misses out through injury, along with Leeds’ Kallum Watkins, St Helens’ Alex Walmsley, Warrington’s Ben Currie and Castleford’s Luke Gale.
Josh Charnley, who has impressed since returning to rugby league with Warrington, missed out, as did Wigan’s Sam Tomkins.
Bennett said: “I have selected a strong squad that I believe has the ability and talent to beat New Zealand in Denver. The game is going to be a tough one but we will go into it with confidence.
“We have been impressed with all the players this season and the three uncapped players deserve their call ups after showing their talent and determination both on and off the field.
“We have always been clear that the door to the senior squad is open to any player showing the form to be selected. The squad has a real mix of experience and youth and that will prove important during our time in Denver.
“Playing a mid-season test against Samoa last year proved invaluable and I’m sure this will be the same.
“It gives the team a chance to spend time together and me and my coaching staff to see how they perform together against one of the best teams in the world ahead of the Test series in the autumn.”
ENGLAND SQUAD TO FACE NEW ZEALAND IN DENVER
John Bateman, George Burgess, Sam Burgess, Thomas Burgess, Jake Connor, James Graham, Ryan Hall, Chris Hill, Jonny Lomax, Tommy Makinson, Jermaine McGillvary, Sean O’Loughlin, Mark Percival, Stefan Ratchford, James Roby, Luke Thompson, Gareth Widdop, George Williams, Elliott Whitehead
