Leeds Rhinos, Wigan Warriors and St Helens youngsters earn first England Knights call-ups

Nine Super League clubs have representation in Paul Anderson's newest England Knights squad, with eight players earning their first call-ups ahead of likely fixtures later this year. The Knights staff have begun discussions about the prospect of playing fixtures ahead of this autumn's Rugby League World Cup, allowing Anderson to name an updated Knights Performance Squad.

Almost all of the English clubs in Super League have at least one player included, with Wakefield Trinity the sole exception. There are eight debutants, including Leeds back Liam Tindall and St Helens duo Jon Bennison and Jake Wingfield.

Hull's Jack Brown, Wigan duo Matt Nicholson and Brad O'Neill plus talented Warrington back Josh Thewlis are the other new names in the mix.

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There is plenty of frontline Super League experience in the squad, with the likes of Great Britain international Jake Trueman and Catalans forward Matt Whitley among the biggest names that have made the cut.

“Most of these players have come through the England Pathways programme, which is all about investing in the future of England Rugby League," Anderson said. "Our job is to prepare our future full internationals for the next step – the senior international team.

“The Knights is about developing talent, preparing well and competing hard. With that in mind, we want as many as possible to come through our talent pathway and force themselves in contention for England selections, and ultimately win world cups.”

The Knights players will have what have been described as 'off feet' meetings on three occasions this summer, in May, July and August, where England performance standards will