Rugby league writers name their England side for Rugby League World Cup opener

The 2022 Rugby League World Cup is only 141 days away and excitement is growing around the sport, with this year's competition set to be the most competitive yet. England will be hoping to go one better than last time, with the side falling short at the final hurdle after a heroic effort in the 6-0 defeat to Australia back in 2017.

One Key issue coach Shaun Wane has to address is the hooker position. With regular starter Josh Hodgson unavailable due to a season-ending injury and stalwart James Roby retiring from international duty last year, Wane will have to create a new dummy-half pairing, with Paul McShane, Kruise Leeming and Daryl Clarke all being called up to his first England training squad of 2022.

Some players select themselves, with the likes of Sam Tomkins, Liam Farrell, and Alex Warmsley nailed on to appear in the starting 17 come October. NRL stars Herbie Farnworth, Luke Thompson, Ryan Sutton and Elliot Whitehead all look set to be a crucial part of Shaun Wane's side, with the England coach having plenty of selection headaches to deal with as the tournament fast approaches.

Read More: Jimmy Keinhorst signs new Hull KR deal

So, with all that said, here's how our journalists think England could line up at St James Park for the World Cup opener.

1 - Sam Tomkins (Catalans Dragons)

2 - Tom Davies (Catalans Dragons)

3 - Herbie Farnworth (Brisbane Broncos)

4 - Mark Percival (St Helens)

5 - Tommy Makinson (St Helens)

6 - Jonny Lomax (St Helens)

7 - Jackson Hastings (Wests Tigers)

8 - Alex Warmsley (St Helens)

9 - Kruise Leeming (Leeds Rhinos)

10 - Tom Burgess (South Sydney Rabbitohs )

11 - Liam Farrell (Wigan Warriors)

12 - Elliot Whitehead (Canberra Raiders)

13 - Morgan Knowles (St Helens)

14 - Luke Thompson