17 October 2023 , 05:00
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Leigh prop Robbie Mulhern will be one of the newcomers in Shaun Wane’s England squad named today.
The powerful front-row, 28, hasn’t played for his country since debuting against France in 2018. But his brilliant form for Challenge Cup winners Leigh, after moving from Warrington ahead of this season, caught Wane’s eye who now includes him in his 24-man squad for the three Tests against touring Tonga. Leeds-born Mulhern - who featured for Ireland in last year’s World Cup - wasn’t even in the coach’s extended 40-man squad announced in April.
However, the ex-Leeds and Hull KR forward was drafted into their training squad a fortnight ago and has convinced Wane he’s worthy of a spot in his plans. No English prop has made more than his 2,778m in Super League this season. After his Man of Steel nomination, prolific Catalans winger Tom Johnstone is also set to get the nod for England who face Tonga in the first Test at St Helens on Sunday.
Wane is likely to include Hull KR’s Mikey Lewis and Wigan’s Harry Smith as well given ongoing concerns over his primary half-back George Williams. England captain Williams will be selected in the 24-man squad even though he’s currently banned for the first two Tests. He originally copped a one-match suspension for a shoulder charge in Warrington’s play-off exit at St Helens.
Williams had that doubled last week for a “frivolous” appeal - and could yet even miss the entire series as he will appeal AGAIN tonight.
Tom Johnstone faced “manic” time settling at Catalans Dragons after horrid 2022
Meanwhile, Salford have signed Nene Macdonald on a four-year deal - just weeks after the Papua New Guinea centre walked out on Super League rivals Leeds.