I love the inclusion of Kai Pearce-Paul in England’s squad - he could be a World Cup bolter.
He’s only 21 but the Wigan player is someone I feel could make a real difference in this tournament if he gets his chance off the bench. He’s got size, ability and - something we don’t have too much of - a great offload. Pearce-Paul has played centre but he’s an out and out back-rower for me.
He needs to have his hands on the ball a bit but I do feel he’s got the ability to make it at international level as an unproven Test player. He could do something special if given a shot. It’s a great opportunity for him and Jack Welsby.
Jonny Lomax is a big loss and there’s a number of players missing who would have been in this England team. But Lomax’s absence gives Welsby a chance at half-back to show what he can do. He was outstanding there in the second half for St Helens against Leeds in last week’s Grand Final, taking the game by the scruff of the neck.
That’s the sort of form he needs to show for England in the World Cup if they are to be successful in it. But we also need Tommy Makinson, Sam Tomkins, Ryan Hall, Luke Thompson, John Bateman, Elliott Whitehead, George Williams… all England’s world-class players… to be really outstanding. I’m pleased for Chris Hill, Kallum Watkins and Hally. They weren’t in the England squad at the start of the year and it’s great to see the way they’ve performed this season has allowed them to get into this World Cup squad.
Their experience will be vital, too. They were all in the 2017 World Cup squad which made the final and have no issues with playing against the top teams and beating the top teams. George Williams has had his critics this year but he’s one of those players that, the bigger game and the bigger occasion, generally he stands up. That’s what makes him a quality player; he’s a competitor and I think we’ll see the best of him in the World Cup for England.
BETFRED - PASSIONATE ABOUT SUPER LEAGUE
