Kallum Watkins set for Ashes bow as Shaun Wane drops two England starters
Leeds Rhinos back-rower Kallum Watkins is in line for an England recall after replacing John Bateman in Shaun Wane's 19-man squad for the second Ashes Test against Australia.
Bateman is struggling with an ankle issue, creating a first opportunity for Watkins since the 2022 World Cup.
Full-back Jack Welsby and prop Ethan Havard have been dropped in the wake of last week's Wembley defeat, making way for half-back Harry Smith and Halifax-born forward Morgan Smithies.
AJ Brimson, who switched his international allegiance earlier this year through his mother's English heritage, will make his international debut against the country of his birth as Welsby's replacement, while Smith's return sees Mikey Lewis drop to the bench.
Lewis partnered George Williams in the first Test but must now accept a different role.
Wane has confirmed that Jez Litten will start at Everton following a strong showing as an interchange, meaning no place for Daryl Clark.
Wakefield Trinity pair Tom Johnstone and Mike McMeeken are set to be given another opportunity following last week's 26-6 loss, while Leeds prop Mikolaj Oledzki will be hoping to feature after narrowly missing the cut on the opening weekend of the series.
"I needed to make some changes to the side that lost last week at Wembley and I have done that," said Wane.
"The beauty of having such a strong squad is that we are bringing some really talented players into the side ahead of this weekend’s game – but the fact remains that we simply need to be better this time around.
"I want us to show the very best of us, play at the level I know we can and ultimately level this Ashes series.
"We are heading to a sold-out Hill Dickinson Stadium at Everton and I have no doubt the English supporters will get behind the team and be that 18th man for us on Saturday afternoon."
England 19-man squad for second Test: Brimson, Clark, Farnworth, Johnstone, Knowles, Lees, Lewis, Litten, McMeeken, Oledzki, Pearce-Paul, Smith, Smithies, Trout, Walmsley, Wardle, Watkins, Williams, Young.
Australia team: Walsh, Nawaqanitawase, Staggs, Shibasaki, Addo-Carr, Munster, Cleary, Collins, Grant, Fa’asuamaleaui, Crichton, Young, Carrigan. Substitutes: Dearden, Smith, Cotter, Koloamatangi.