Shaun Wane will look to the future after extending his contract to stay on as England coach.
With nearly half of his squad from last year’s World Cup in their thirties, Wane is likely to have one eye on the next generation with France 2025 in mind. A number of young talents, such as Jack Welsby and Kai Pearce-Paul, have already made their way into the squad and were part of his plans during the World Cup. But with changes needed, there are going the be opportunities that open up for rising stars.
Here, Rugby League Live assesses some of the most talented youngsters in Super League who will hope to be part of England’s team heading into the next World Cup.
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Will Pryce (Huddersfield Giants)
The Huddersfield Giants man is an exciting young star and got on the scoresheet during last Friday’s Super League opener at home to Warrington Wolves. The 20-year-old, who has represented England Knights, can play half-back and full-back and is blessed with natural athleticism, speed and skill. With an end-of-season move to NRL side Newcastle Knights beckoning, the son of ex-Bradford Bulls and St Helens star Leon Pryce will aim to bow out of the British game on a high this year.
Morgan Smithies (Wigan Warriors)
The Wigan Warriors forward is noted for his aggression and refusal to take a backwards step. That steely determination has made the 22-year-old a key figure in the back row at club level and Wane knows him as well as anyone. Having played for England Knights, the onus is now on the Yorkshireman to force his way into the senior squad – and it is not beyond him.
Mikey Lewis (Hull KR)
The homegrown Hull Kingston Rovers man is a dynamic bundle of energy who has proved he can unlock some of the best defences in Super League. He dovetailed superbly at club level with Jordan Abdull in 2021, helping the Robins to reach the play-off semi-finals for the first time, before showcasing his class again last term. Having represented England Knights, it is surely only a matter of time before the Hull-born 21-year-old earns a first senior cap.
Morgan Gannon (Leeds Rhinos)
The son of former Super League player Jim Gannon is seen as arguably the best young forward in the competition right now. Physically imposing with some fine footballing skills, the Leeds Rhinos academy graduate seems destined for a future at the very highest level. The 19-year-old back-rower has been extremely well regarded at Headingley and beyond for a number of years and will already be on Wane’s radar.
Harry Newman (Leeds Rhinos)
Cruel does not even being to do justice to the Leeds Rhinos centre’s fortunes in recent times. He has been dogged by nagging hamstring problems which sidelined him during last year’s Grand Final and forced him to miss the World Cup. Highly rated, though, by Wane, 23-year-old Newman should be back in action soon and undoubtedly has the quality to represent England at senior level.
Matty Ashton (Warrington Wolves)
At 24, the Warrington man might not quite fit into the category of Super League’s best ‘young’ English players. But he has made a strong start to the season and scored two blistering tries during last Friday’s impressive win over Huddersfield. Another player who has played for England Knights and will now aim for senior recognition.
Oliver Wilson (Huddersfield Giants)
The Huddersfield Giants prop has been touted for big things since he signed from neighbours Bradford Bulls in 2019. Wilson established himself as a regular first-team player last term, making 23 appearances including starting their Challenge Cup final defeat. Although injury ruled him out of the Super League play-offs, as well as denying him the chance to make his England Knights bow, the 22-year-old will aim to kick on again this year.
Lewis Dodd (St Helens)
The homegrown half-back, rated as one of Super League’s most precocious talents, missed Saints’ march to an unprecedented fourth successive Grand Final win last year. He ruptured his Achilles tendon in the Good Friday win over Wigan Warriors in April and watched on from the sidelines as the champions retained their Super League crown at Old Trafford. After successful surgery, the 21-year-old is fit again and proved his class with the winning drop-goal in the World Club Challenge against NRL kings Penrith Panthers.
Matty Nicholson (Warrington Wolves)
Nicholson made the switch from Wigan to Warrington mid-way through last season on a three-and-a-half year deal. Warriors boss Matt Peet admitted he was left “scratching” his head at the decision, but the back-rower should thrive at the Wolves this year. The 19-year-old from Halifax, currently sidelined with a shoulder injury, played for England Knights last year and has the ability to make the step up.
Jez Litten (Hull KR)
Litten has continued to grow into the hooking role he’s shared with Matt Parcell since joining from cross-city rivals Hull FC in 2019. Having been called up to the England Knights’ squad at the end of last season, 24-year-old Litten has the potential to step up into Wane’s senior side. With Michael McIlorum now in his mid-thirties, there could be a vacancy at hooker soon enough.
Jake Wingfield (St Helens)
The list of players who have come through the ranks at St Helens’ vaunted academy is endless. Local lad Wingfield, 21, is another who has made the step up into the first team and proved he can more than hold his own at Super League level. Having recently played in the World Club Challenge win over Penrith Panthers, the powerful loose forward’s star should continue to rise.
Jack Sinfield (Leeds Rhinos)
The 18-year-old is a hugely promising half-back who progressed through the vaunted Academy at Headingley before making his senior debut last April at Castleford Tigers. Like his famous father Kevin did over two decades ago, Jack is combining his playing commitments with studying for his A-Levels. Sinfield junior made five Super League appearances for the Rhinos last term and will hope to better that this year by putting pressure on Aidan Sezer and Blake Austin for a starting role.
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