England Academy v Australia Schoolboys: Magificent seven-player call-up to England squad for the Rhinos

Seven LEEDS Rhinos players have been called up to the England Academy squad which will face Australia Schoolboys on Saturday, kick-off 2pm at Leigh Sports Village.
Muzzi Mustapha. PIC: Leeds Rhinos RLFCMuzzi Mustapha. PIC: Leeds Rhinos RLFC
Muzzi Mustapha. PIC: Leeds Rhinos RLFC

The Rhinos’ contingent makes up one third of the squad. Callum McLelland and Muzzi Mustapha have been given the call-up into a 22-man squad, alongside Rhinos team-mates Corey Johnson, Harry Newman, Loui McConnell, Owen Trout and Tom Holroyd.

McLelland and Mustapha forced their way into the England side after the pair impressed in the Yorkshire Academy side which was beaten 30-22 by their Australian counterparts at Castlefield last week.

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All seven have a chance of representing the nation either this weekend or at Headingley on Friday, December 14.

Dave Elliot – a member in the England Academy set-up since 2010 – said : “Games against the Australian Schoolboys are always special, and we’re really looking forward to what’s coming up.

“The Aussies are a strong, athletic and talented group, but places in the squad were still available for lads who produced performances. In Callum’s (McLelland’s) case it was more a question of seeing him play League again after his time in Rugby Union, and Muzzi Mustapha was outstanding.

“That experience alone makes academy internationals like this really valuable in terms of the different experience it provides.”