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Josh Thewlis and Morgan Smithies have been called into the England squad for Saturday’s third Test against Tonga.
Smithies has moved to Canberra Raiders after helping Wigan to win the Grand Final, and Warrington’s Thewlis is the Super League Young Player of the Year.
England hold an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-game series after wins in St Helens and Huddersfield.
“I’m really pleased to be able to bring both Morgan and Josh into our squad,” said England head coach Shaun Wane.
“Morgan has had a terrific season with Wigan and impressed me earlier this year when he wore the England shirt for the first time, and Josh is coming in on the back of a breakthrough year with Warrington.
Smithies made his Test debut in the win over France in April, while Thewlis is uncapped.
Waned added: “Both players are very versatile and offer me some options in key positions ahead of the third Test. Our players have endured a long season and there are little knocks here and there so it’s important we bolstered the squad in this final week.
“It’s great to know that Rugby League fans will be turning out in big numbers in Leeds this weekend to round off the series.”
Seven World Cup winners to face France
England have named seven of their Wheelchair World Cup-winning party in their eight-strong matchday squad for Sunday’s meeting with France at the First Direct Arena.
The one addition is Leeds Rhinos’ Josh Butler, the younger cousin of the England captain Tom Halliwell.
Butler was rewarded for an impressive campaign by winning the Wheelchair Super League Young Player of the Year award.
England head coach Tom Coyd said: “It’s a measure of the quality of Josh Butler’s performances this season, and his contribution to all our camps this year up to and including St George’s Park, that he has earned a place in our team.”
Wayne Boardman is picked as a ninth player, who will be available to join the squad if there are any late withdrawals.
England squad: Tom Halliwell (Leeds Rhinos, captain), Sebastien Bechara (Catalans Dragons), Jack Brown (North Queensland Cowboys), Josh Butler (Leeds Rhinos), Nathan Collins (Leeds Rhinos), Joe Coyd (London Roosters), Rob Hawkins (Halifax Panthers), Lewis King (London Roosters). Ninth player: Wayne Boardman (Halifax Panthers).
