England and Australia will meet in the second Test of this year’s Rugby League Ashes series, as Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium hosts it’s first non-football event since opening earlier this year.
Reece Walsh was the star of the show at Wembley, having scored two tries and being involved in two more. The Brisbane full-back also saved two first-half tries, as he intercepted passed from Herbie Farnworth and Jake Wardle to stop certain scores.
However, both sides will be hoping that injuries suffered in the first Test, which England lost 26-6, are not as bad as first thought, however there could be some enforced changes from either camp, as Australia look to wrap up the series whilst England look to draw level.
Ahead of the Kangaroos naming their squad tomorrow (Tuesday), we have taken a look at who the early doubts are, with one man for certain confirmed to be out.
England Team News
The biggest concern for England will be the injury to star centre Herbie Farnworth. The Dolphins centre suffered a knock to his knee in the first half, but managed to play on for the full 80 minutes.
He was seen leaving the stadium with ice strapped to him, and England will be hoping that he can shake off that injury before Saturday’s second test.
Should he not pull through, Shaun Wane has Leeds’ Harry Newman in reserve, and he could make his seventh England appearance if selected.
Australia Team News
Captain Isaah Yeo is the only player confirmed to be ruled out, after the loose forward failed a HIA just eight minutes into the game.
The Penrith Panthers man will miss next week’s game due to protocols, and it is likely that Patrick Carrigan returns to his natural position of 13, Lindsay Collins starts in the front row and Kevin Walters brings in Yeo’s club teammate Lindsay Smith to make his second Kangaroos appearance.
Prop Tino Fa’asuamaleaui could be on the side lines next week, after a high tackle on Jake Wardle in the opening sets may land him on the naughty step. The Gold Coast enforcer hit Wardle high, but there was no penalty given by referee Liam Moore. However, if the disciplinary panel judge that contact to be worthy of a ban, Walters will have another change to make in his forward pack.
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