Hull KR captain Elliot Minchella misses out on England squad for Samoa series
Hull KR captain Elliot Minchella has missed the cut for England's Test series against Samoa despite his standout form in Super League this season.
Shaun Wane has instead opted for Victor Radley, Morgan Knowles, Morgan Smithies and Ben Currie as his loose forward options in a 24-man squad that features Man of Steel Mikey Lewis.
The half-back is KR's sole representative in the final group following the club's run to the Grand Final.
Fellow Dream Team member Minchella produced a typically courageous performance in a losing cause at Old Trafford, making 59 tackles and taking 28 carries while heavily bandaged due to a facial cut.
Rovers hooker Jez Litten has also missed out after being named in Wane's extended squad last month.
Radley and Smithies are among six NRL-based players selected alongside Dom Young, Herbie Farnworth, Kai Pearce-Paul and Huddersfield Giants-bound Tom Burgess.
Fellow prop Chris Hill, who left the Giants at the end of the Super League season, has the chance to add to his 41 international caps after making the cut.
Leeds Rhinos centre Harry Newman has been handed another opportunity following his involvement in last year's series win against Tonga, with Wigan Warriors pair Junior Nsemba and Liam Marshall the only uncapped players in the squad.
St Helens winger Tommy Makinson withdrew from contention due to personal reasons, while Wigan centre Jake Wardle is injured.
"I'm really excited by the squad I’ve been able to pick ahead of our two-game Test Series against Samoa," said England boss Wane.
"We know it's going to be a tough test against the Samoans and there is already a lot of history between us from the Rugby League World Cup two years ago.
"All of the players have been picked based on their form over the last 12 months whether that be in the Betfred Super League or Down Under in the NRL and I’m confident heading into next week’s opener in Wigan.
"Following on from an impressive crowd at Old Trafford this past weekend, I am hoping the rugby league fans come out in numbers at both Wigan and Leeds and get behind England."
England squad: Ashton, Bateman (both Warrington), Burgess (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Clark (St Helens), Currie (Warrington), Farnworth (Dolphins), Havard (Wigan), Hill (Huddersfield), Knowles, Lees (both St Helens), Lewis (Hull KR), Marshall (Wigan), McMeeken (Catalans), Newman (Leeds), Nsemba (Wigan), Pearce-Paul (Newcastle Knights), Radley (Sydney Roosters), Smith (Wigan), Smithies (Canberra Raiders), Thompson (Wigan), Walker (Warrington), Welsby (St Helens), Williams (Warrington), Young (Sydney Roosters).