England has given its first indication of its lineup to face Australia in the World Cup opener, after naming a 20-man side to take on Italy in a pre-tournament trial match this weekend.
Former Dragon Rangi Chase has been handed the starting five-eighth spot ahead of Melbourne Storm star Gareth Widdop, with Sam Burgess and James Graham the only NRL players in the starting lineup and George Burgess coming off the bench in the No.20 jersey. Tom Burgess will take on Samoa earlier in the day with the England Knights team.
"The make-up of the side looks very exciting, with the right blend of youth and experience," England coach Steve McNamara said. "There is a great opportunity for the players to really push on and stake a claim for a start against Australia the following week."
England team to face Italy
1 Sam Tomkins (Wigan Warriors, Wigan St Patricks)
2 Ryan Hall (Leeds Rhinos, Oulton Raiders)
3 Carl Ablett (Leeds Rhinos, Hunslet Parkside)
4 Leroy Cudjoe (Huddersfield Giants, Newsome Panthers)
5 Tom Briscoe (Hull FC, Featherstone Lions)
6 Rangi Chase (Castleford Tigers, Dannevirke Tigers)
7 Kevin Sinfield, captain (Leeds Rhinos, Waterhead)
8 James Graham (Canterbury Bulldogs, Blackbrook)
9 Michael McIlorum (Wigan Warriors, Queens)
10 Lee Mossop (Wigan Warriors, Hensingham)
11 Gareth Hock (Widnes Vikings, Wigan St Judes)
12 Liam Farrell (Wigan Warriors, Wigan St Patricks)
13 Sam Burgess (South Sydney Rabbitohs, Dewsbury Moor)
Interchange:
14 Josh Charnley (Wigan Warriors, Wigan St Patricks)
15 Kallum Watkins (Leeds Rhinos, Latchford Albion)
16 Gareth Widdop (Melbourne Storm, King Cross)
17 Rob Burrow (Leeds Rhinos, Featherstone Lions)
18 Chris Hill (Warrington Wolves, New Spring Lions)
19 James Roby (St Helens, Blackbrook)
20 George Burgess (South Sydney Rabbitohs, Dewsbury Moor)
