Warrington Wolves pair Matty Ashton and Ben Currie have been called up to England’s 19-player squad for the second Test against Tonga in Huddersfield on Saturday after Tommy Makinson and Morgan Knowles were both ruled out due to injury
Last Updated: 26/10/23 12:35pm
Matty Ashton is called into England’s 19-player squad after an injury to Tommy Makinson
Matty Ashton and Ben Currie have been added to the England squad for their second Test against Tonga in Huddersfield on Saturday.
Warrington Wolves pair Ashton and Currie replace winger Tommy Makinson and back row Morgan Knowles, both of whom sustained injuries in England’s gruelling 22-18 win in St Helens on Sunday in the first of a three-match series against the southern hemisphere side.
Ashton’s call-up to the 19-man matchday squad will represent only his second international appearance after the 25-year-old winger previously featured in England’s 64-0 thrashing of France in April.
Ben Currie is included in England’s 19-player squad for the second Test
“Matty Ashton impressed me earlier in the year during the mid-season international against France and has continued on the same path over the last few weeks,” England head coach Shaun Wane said. “I’m really pleased to be able to give him an opportunity against Tonga.”
The 29-year-old Currie featured in England’s run to the final of the 2017 World Cup but has played for his country just twice in the last six years, also including the win over France.
The second Test of the series at John Smith’s Stadium will see Huddersfield Giants prop Chris Hill make his 35th full international appearance on Saturday. He is third on the all-time list of England appearances behind James Graham (44) and Ryan Hall (40).
England will once again be captained by St Helens full-back Jack Welsby as George Williams serves the last of his two-match suspension.
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Highlights of the mid-season international between England and France
Victory over Tonga will seal a series win for the hosts, but Wane is expecting a backlash from Kristian Woolf’s team as they seek to set up a decider at AMT Headingley on Saturday, November 4.
“Last week was a real battle of attrition and we fought hard to come out on top, but we still have work to do to win this three-game series,” Wane said.
“We know that Tonga will be hurt, they’ll come out even stronger, and will be seeking revenge this weekend. It is up to us to ensure that doesn’t happen and we come away with the victory – and the series.”
England’s 19-player squad to face Tonga
Matty Ashton (Warrington Wolves), John Bateman (Wests Tigers), Tom Burgess (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Daryl Clark, Ben Currie (both Warrington Wolves), Liam Farrell (Wigan Warriors), Chris Hill (Huddersfield Giants), Tom Johnstone (Catalans Dragons), Toby King (Wigan Warriors), Matty Lees (St Helens), Mikey Lewis (Hull KR), Mike McMeeken (Catalans Dragons), Robbie Mulhern (Leigh Leopards), Harry Newman (Leeds Rhinos), Victor Radley (Sydney Roosters), Harry Smith (Wigan Warriors), Danny Walker (Warrington Wolves), Jack Welsby (St Helens), Elliott Whitehead (Canberra Raiders)