England Knights make six changes for second Papua New Guinea test

Paul Anderson has made six changes to the England Knights team that beat Papua New Guinea in their first Test last weekend.

The Knights will aim to complete a 2-0 series win in Port Moresby on Saturday (5:30am GMT).

Warrington Wolves pair Harvey Livett and Danny Walker, who recently joined them from Widnes Vikings, are among the new inclusions, taking the Wolves’ representation to seven alongside Joe Philbin, Toby King, Tom Lineham, Dec Patton and Jack Hughes.

Leeds Rhinos trio Jack Walker, Ash Handley and Mikolaj Oledzki have also been called into the 17-man squad, as Anderson ensures that all 23 members of his squad will have gained match experience in PNG.

Matt Whitley, who will join Catalans Dragons in 2019, is included in the squad in place of Hull FC’s Dean Hadley, who returned to the UK from the tour due to illness earlier this week.

Anderson commented: “It was pleasing to secure that first win and we’re hoping we can do the same this weekend against a tough Kumuls side in Port Moresby.

“This tour is about providing players with experience and development opportunities as we build towards creating the strongest England side to take part in the Rugby League World Cup 2021 and each player that travelled with us on this tour will return home having had that once in a lifetime opportunity to represent their national side in Papua New Guinea.”

England Knights squad to face PNG: Jack Walker; Tom Davies, Toby King, Liam Sutcliffe, Tom Lineham; Declan Patton, Chris Atkin; Mikolaj Oledzki, Sam Powell, Matty Lees, Harvey Livett, Matt Whitley, Jack Hughes. Subs: Danny Walker, Ash Handley, Robbie Mulhern, Joe Philbin.