Dominic Young injury ruled out of series, Morgan Knowles injury, Tyson Frizell injury, England, Tonga, Test series

Author: Steve Mascord NRL Reporter
Timestamp: Wed 25 Oct 2023, 08:38 AM

England have finally conceded winger Dom Young is out for the series but have also lost forward Morgan Knowles, while the news on the injured Tongan Tyson Frizell is altogether better.

The agent of Sydney Roosters signing Young had already said he would play no part on the Test series between the countries, which continues on the weekend in Huddersfield, after being hospitalised with a serious sinus infection.

But the loss of tough St Helens forward Knowles, with a thumb injury suffered in the 22-18 win at Totally Wicked Stadium last Saturday, is a bolt from the blue.

Newcastle’s Frizell suffered a knee injury in his Tonga debut and was wearing a moon boot on Monday but a team spokesman said following scans: “The injury news is positive. He is a good chance for Saturday on a six-day turnaround.”

England coach Shaun Wane won't look to bring additional players into the squad ©NRL Photos

England coach Shaun Wane suggested he will not be seeking to replace Young and Knowles in his extended squad, which is now down to 22 players.

“Despite losing two players, I am still extremely confident that the squad I have selected is strong enough to win this series against Tonga,” Wane said.

“Tom Johnstone and Tommy Makinson both impressed me at the weekend and we have another terrific winger in Matty Ashton who is pushing to force his way into the side.

“We’ve also got a number of forwards who can slot into the team in Morgan’s absence – Tyler Dupree, Robbie Mulhern and Liam Farrell all didn’t feature this past weekend and could come in.”

Round 3 - Round 3 - Saturday 28 Oct

Full Time

England

Mate Ma'a Tonga

Team Lists

Backs

Fullback for England is number 1 Jack Welsby

Fullback for Mate Ma'a Tonga is number 1 Will Hopoate
Winger for England is number 2 Matty Ashton

Winger for Mate Ma'a Tonga is number 2 Junior Tupou
Centre for England is number 3 Harry Newman

Centre for Mate Ma'a Tonga is number 3 Will Penisini
Centre for England is number 4 Toby King

Centre for Mate Ma'a Tonga is number 4 Mosese Suli
Winger for England is number 5 Tom Johnstone

Winger for Mate Ma'a Tonga is number 5 Tolutau Koula
Five-Eighth for England is number 6 Mikey Lewis

Five-Eighth for Mate Ma'a Tonga is number 6 Tuimoala Lolohea
Halfback for England is number 7 Harry Smith

Halfback for Mate Ma'a Tonga is number 7 Isaiya Katoa

Forwards

Prop for England is number 8 Thomas Burgess

Prop for Mate Ma'a Tonga is number 8 Addin Fonua-Blake
Hooker for England is number 9 Daryl Clark

Hooker for Mate Ma'a Tonga is number 9 Siliva Havili
Prop for England is number 10 Matty Lees

Prop for Mate Ma'a Tonga is number 10 Tevita Tatola
2nd Row for England is number 11 John Bateman

2nd Row for Mate Ma'a Tonga is number 11 Tyson Frizell
2nd Row for England is number 12 Elliott Whitehead

2nd Row for Mate Ma'a Tonga is number 12 Haumole Olakau'atu
Lock for England is number 13 Victor Radley

Lock for Mate Ma'a Tonga is number 13 Felise Kaufusi

Interchange

Interchange for England is number 14 Danny Walker

Interchange for Mate Ma'a Tonga is number 14 Dion Teaupa
Interchange for England is number 15 Liam Farrell

Interchange for Mate Ma'a Tonga is number 15 Moeaki Fotuaika
Interchange for England is number 16 Chris Hill

Interchange for Mate Ma'a Tonga is number 16 Keaon Koloamatangi
Interchange for England is number 17 Mike McMeeken

Interchange for Mate Ma'a Tonga is number 17 Eliesa Katoa