Morley’s England career not over just yet, insists coach McNamara

The 35-year-old 50-cap veteran was overlooked for the clash with the Exiles on June 16, with his absence one of the main talking points to come out of the announcement of the 21-man party.

The Warrington forward has been one of the first names on any coach’s team-sheet throughout his long career, but will not be given an immediate chance to win another cap.

Unlike front-row team-mate Jamie Peacock, who captains the side again, Morley has yet to commit to playing into 2013 which is a World Cup year, and has only played two games since returning from a neck injury. But rather than cite those as reasons, McNamara says Morley has missed out simply because other forwards are in better form.

“Adrian has been injured but he’s played in the last two games, he’s fit enough to play and I just believe there are a few people ahead of him at the moment,” he said.

“But I have the utmost respect for Adrian as a player and a person and I know he will be banging the door down to be involved for game two. I would not close the door on any player, let alone Adrian Morley.”

Other notable selections include the returns of Gareth Hock after his drugs ban and Warrington’s Ryan Atkins.

The Wolves centre has been in excellent form for his club for the last 18 months but has not played for England since 2010, much to the surprise of many onlookers.

But while McNamara would not go into detail, he did suggest that Atkins has had to work on things other than his game.

“It’s not just his form, it’s a few other things as well,” he said.

“His form is, and continues to need to be, good. I’ve spoken to Ryan and he understands what is needed to be an international player and I am happy that he is back in the fold.”

The squad sports a shock call-up for Hull’s goal-kicking second-row Danny Tickle.

Sheffield Eagles lost to Leigh Centurions 40-12 in the Co-operative Championship last night. Eagles’ tries came from Michael Knowles and Quentin Laulu-Togagae.