Leeds Rhinos' Matt Prior and Kruise Leeming named in Combined Nations All Stars squad: Players from Wakefield Trinity, Castleford Tigers and Featherstone Rovers also included

The squad was confirmed today (Tuesday), just three days before the game.

Teammate Kruise Leeming, who trained with England earlier this year and is part of the second-string Knights squad, is also included.

That will rule them out of Rhinos’ game at Salford Red Devils which is also scheduled for Friday - though they could feature for their club if the Betfred Super League fixture is moved back to Sunday.

Wakefield Trinity’s Liam Kay and Kelepi Tanginoa will feature, alongside Castleford Tigers duo Peter Mata'utia and Suaia Matagi.

Wakefield are at home to Wigan Warriors - whose half-back Jackson Hastings is All Stars’ other co-captain - on Thursday, when Tigers play host to Catalans Dragons.

Featherstone Rovers’ former Castleford forward Junior Moors is the only player from outside Betfred Super League.

The squad includes players from nine different clubs.

Hull KR players were stood down after a Covid outbreak led to Friday's scheduled game against St Helens being postponed.

But no Saints players are included, despite them not having a game this weekend.

All Stars coach Tim Sheens said: “When this concept was created, the aim was to give England a highly intense match as part of their preparations ahead of the Rugby League World Cup 2021.

“I’m confident we’ve assembled a squad that can do that.

“As it was always the case that Shaun [Wane] would get first pick for England, we obviously had to wait and work within the guidelines when selecting players.

“I’m really looking forward to working with them – and I hope we’re all going to enjoy the experience, getting to know some new people and trying out some new combinations.

The Combined Nations All Stars squad is: Jake Connor (Hull FC), Kenny Edwards (Huddersfield Giants), Jackson Hastings (Wigan Warriors), Liam Kay (Wakefield Trinity), Kruise Leeming (Leeds Rhinos), Ricky Leutele (Huddersfield Giants), Peter Mata'utia (Castleford Tigers), Suaia Matagi (Castleford), Jermaine McGillvary (Huddersfield), Junior Moors (Featherstone Rovers), Pauli Pauli (Salford Red Devils), Nathan Peats (Leigh Centurions), Matt Prior (Leeds), Chris Satae (Hull FC), Andre Savelio (Hull), Aidan Sezer (Huddersfield), Ken Sio (Salford), Kelepi Tanginoa (Wakefield), Luke Yates (Huddersfield).

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