Jez Litten and Morgan Knowles have been drafted into England’s starting line-up for their crunch Rugby League World Cup clash against Papua New Guinea on Friday.
Brad O’Neill drops out of the 19-player matchday squad after featuring in England’s 82-0 victory against France on Saturday.
Brian McDermott’s side must secure victory in their final Group B and C match to keep their hopes of reaching the semi-finals alive. They will then face a nervous two-day wait for Tonga’s clash against Samoa.
Should Samoa win, England will be knocked out of the Rugby League World Cup for the first time in history, but England can advance on points difference if they beat Papua New Guinea by a large margin and Tonga secure a convincing victory against Samoa.
Litten will take over from O’Neill at hooker for his first start in the tournament, while Knowels will play as England’s loose forward, after missing England’s first two matches due to injury.
Victor Radley, who had worn the No 13 jersey against France, has dropped onto the bench.
England starting line-up vs Papua New Guinea:
- AJ Brimson
- Dom Young
- Hugo Savala
- Herbie Farnworth
- Matty Ashton
- George Williams
- Harry Smith
- Max King
- Jez Litten
- Luke Thompson
- Junior Nsemba
- Kai Pearce-Paul
- Morgan Knowles
Interchange: 14. Mikey Lewis; 15. Sam Walters; 16. Ethan Havard; 17. Victor Radley; 18. Ben Currie; 19. Jack Welsby; 20. Brad O’Neill; 21. Zach Eckersley; 22. Kallum Watkins.
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