Radley among six NRL stars in England squad

Injured Sydney Roosters forward Victor Radley is among six NRL players named in an extended England squad to prepare for the end-of-season series against Samoa.

Radley, who suffered a fracture to his left scapula in last weekend's loss to the Raiders, has avoided surgery and is hopeful of playing again later in the finals, with the Roosters assured of a top four berth.

He was selected alongside Roosters team-mate Dom Young, Dolphins centre Herbie Farnworth, Knights second-rower Kai Pearce-Paul, Rabbitohs prop Tom Burgess and Raiders lock Morgan Smithies.

Radley, Young, Farnworth, Pearce-Paul and Burgess were members of the England side which lost to Samoa in extra time of their World Cup semi-final in London.

Smithies made his Test debut in last year’s 64-0 mid-season victory over France at Warrington’s Halliwell Jones Stadium. 

John Bateman was also named after a mid-season move to Warrington from Wests Tigers. 

“I’m pleased to have been able to put together a strong and talented squad as we look ahead to the end-of-season Test matches against Samoa," England coach Shaun Wane said.

“There have been several players who have been performing consistently in both the Betfred Super League and the NRL and it has given me some real competition for places.

“With a few weeks still left in both domestic campaigns, I am expecting these players to continue to stand up at the business end of the season and earn their place in the final squad I assemble to face Samoa.

“There is definitely a bit of history and rivalry between ourselves and the Samoans following the Rugby League World Cup in 2022, and we will be hoping people come out to support us as we look for a series victory on home soil.”

Wane has named a 31-strong squad, with Wigan Warriors breakout star Junior Nsemba the newest name included - and the youngest player in the squad, after turning 20 in June.

Nsemba's selection come after some standout performances this season for the reigning Super League, Challenge Cup and World Club Challenge champions. 

Wigan team-mate Liam Marshall is the only other uncapped player included with the Warriors flyer leading the Super League try-scoring charts with 22 tries - five more than his nearest challenger.

The two English teams who will open next season's Vegas quadruple header, Wigan and Warrington, have six players each, while St Helens have four and Hull KR three.

Among the Wigan players are former Bulldogs prop Luke Thompson.

England will renew their rivalry with Samoa on Sunday, October 27 at the Brick Community Stadium, Wigan, before meeting once more on Saturday, November 2 at Headingley Stadium in Leeds.  

Former England captain Sam Tomkins will return to the set-up as team manager, with Andy Last and Lee Briers, who is leaving Brisbane to join St Helens, continuing as Wane’s assistant coaches.

Tommy Makinson was named in Wane’s squad but has withdrawn due to personal reasons.