England v Tonga: Shaun Wane names suspended George Williams in Tonga series squad

England coach Shaun Wane has named World Cup captain George Williams in his 24 man squad to face Tonga in a historic three-match series - even though the Warrington half-back is currently suspended for two of those matches.

Williams, initially banned for one game for a shoulder charge, had that sentence doubled after losing an appeal.

The 28-year-old has appealed again in the hope of having the suspension lifted.

If he is unsuccessful he will be withdrawn from the squad, and it is not clear if Wane would call up another player or who he would appoint as captain.

Hull KR's Mikey Lewis and Wigan's Harry Smith are the only two other out-and-out half-backs named.

It is the first time the two nations have met in a three-match series and reflects the rise of Tonga as one of rugby league's new super powers.

England and Tonga last played each other in an epic World Cup semi-final in 2017 in Auckland, New Zealand. Since then Kristian Woolf's side have beaten both Australia and Great Britain in one-off games.

"I'm really pleased with the 24 players coming into camp as we look to beat Tonga in this three-game series," said Wane.

The squad includes five players from the National Rugby League in Australia, including that competition's top try scorer in 2023, Newcastle's Dom Young. But Brisbane's Herbie Farnworth is ruled out with a hamstring injury.

Other notable inclusions include Leeds centre Harry Newman, who has clearly convinced Wane that he can bring a disciplined approach to the international arena.

Newman has been criticised for on-field petulance by the England coach, who had said he would not consider picking the player unless he improved that side of his game.

Asked about the possible selection of Newman a month ago, Wane highlighted his petulance as a barrier.

"I will not entertain that. He's a real talent, Harry, and it's something he needs to improve on," said Wane at the time.

"But as a talent and a player he's one of the best. But it's something he needs to get out of his game."

There will be no complaints about the call ups for Leigh's Robbie Mulhern and Tyler Dupree, who switched from Salford to Wigan in mid-season. Both props have had stand-out years.

There are only two out-and-out hookers in the squad - the Warrington pair of Daryl Clark, who moves to St Helens next year, and Danny Walker.

And Jack Welsby of St Helens would seem to have the full-back jersey to himself.

Wigan skipper Liam Farrell, a potential England captain if Williams is forced to withdraw, is recalled to the squad for the first time in two years, just days after leading the Warriors to a Grand Final victory.

But it is disappointing not to see the Saints trio of Jonny Lomax, Alex Walmsley and Mark Percival. All three missed last year's World Cup and all three have again withdrawn because of injury concerns.

"All of the players included have impressed me throughout their respective Super League and NRL campaigns and are worthy of representing their country in this historic series," added Wane.

"We've got a real strong mix of experience and youth combining players who featured in last year's World Cup, this year's mid-season international and some who are returning to the international frame."

All three Tests will be shown live on BBC One.

England v Tonga series fixtures

First Test - Totally Wicked Stadium, St Helens, Sunday 22 October, 14:30 BST

Second Test - John Smith's Stadium, Huddersfield, Saturday 28 October, 14:30 BST

Third Test - Headingley Stadium, Leeds, Saturday 4 November. 14:30 BST.

England Squad

Matty Ashton (Warrington Wolves), John Bateman (Wests Tigers), Tom Burgess (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Daryl Clark, Ben Currie (both Warrington Wolves), Tyler Dupree, Liam Farrell (both Wigan Warriors), Chris Hill (Huddersfield Giants), Tom Johnstone (Catalans Dragons), Toby King (Wigan Warriors), Morgan Knowles, Matty Lees (both St Helens), Mikey Lewis (Hull KR), Tommy Makinson (St Helens), Mike McMeeken (Catalans Dragons), Robbie Mulhern (Leigh Leopards), Harry Newman (Leeds Rhinos), Victor Radley (Sydney Roosters), Harry Smith (Wigan Warriors), Danny Walker (Warrington Wolves), Jack Welsby (St Helens), Elliott Whitehead (Canberra Raiders), George Williams (Warrington Wolves), Dom Young (Newcastle Knights)