England have copped a big blow ahead of their opening Test match against Tonga with Dom Young ruled out through injury.
The winger will be absent from the match in St Helens after being hospitalised with an infection.
Dom Young ruled out of England vs. Tonga Test match
"He’s in hospital with an illness (and) will be assessed next week," Shaun Wane told NRL.com on the eve of the historic Test series.
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The former Newcastle star, who has signed with the Sydney Roosters from 2024 onwards, had reportedly been unwell since last week before being hospitalised.
The Super League’s leading try-scorer and Man of Steel nominee Tom Johnstone will likely line up on the wing along with Tommy Makinson in Young’s absence.
Young's injury is another setback for the home side with their backline from last year's World Cup campaign dismantled.
Sam Tomkins has retired from the game, Herbie Farnworth was deemed unavailable for the whole Test series due to injury, while George Williams is suspended.
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Makinson’s Saints teammate Jack Welsby has been named as the side’s captain with Williams sidelined for the first two matches of the series.
"Humbled is the word," the 22-year-old said upon his shock appointment as skipper.
"When Waney came up and told me this morning I was shocked and surprised with some of the senior blokes we’ve got in that dressing room."
Elliott Whitehead, John Bateman and Victor Radley will feature in the backrow for the home side with the trio also joined by Tom Burgess up front to form an experienced NRL contingent.
England team vs. Tonga
(19-man squad named alphabetically)
- John Bateman
- Tom Burgess
- Daryl Clark
- Liam Farrell
- Chris Hill
- Tom Johnstone
- Toby King
- Morgan Knowles
- Matty Lees
- Mikey Lewis
- Tommy Makinson
- Mike McMeeken
- Robbie Mulhern
- Harry Newman
- Victor Radley
- Harry Smith
- Danny Walker
- Jack Welsby
- Elliot Whitehead
