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 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.”
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