Five young Rhinos in England Youth squad

Alex Young, Cameron Smith, Dyson Nicholson, Harry Newman and Mikolaj Oledzki are all vying to earn a spot after being named in the Under-16s squad.

Wigan Warriors have more than any other Super League club with six players named in the 24-man squad by the national side’s coach Shane Eccles.

Hull KR trio Chris Brown, Elliott Windley and Owen Harrison are also included as they prepare for games at Belle Vue, Wakefield on Friday April 3 and the following Tuesday at Castleford’s Wheldon Road ground.

Wakefield duo Will Dagger and Will Oakes will be desperate to play in that first Test while, similarly, Castleford Tigers’ Jacques O’Neill would love to feature in the second contest at his home ground.

Huddersfield Giants are also represented by Jake Wardle and Jon-Luke Kirby but Hull FC have no players selected.

Eccles said: “It was a tough job selecting the squad for the forthcoming games against France.

“With so much quality on offer now at Youth level I’m excited to see what these players are capable of.

“The lads will be going into camp at the end of March and we’ll be working hard on and off the field to get things right before that first match in Wakefield.

“We know the French will bring over a strong and physical team so our attitude and work rate will need to be 100 per cent to match this.

“I’m really looking forward to this series and I hope plenty of fans come out to see what a bright future Rugby League has in the players representing England Youth.”

Widnes Vikings have seen three of their teenagers get the nod while champions St Helens have just one like Warrington.