Tyler Dupree and Jake Wardle added to England Knights 20-man squad

Josh McAllister 27 Sep 2022 2:17 PM

England Knights boss Paul Anderson has named his 20-man squad to take on France B, adding forward Tyler Dupree and centre Jake Wardle.

The side face France B in Bordeaux on Saturday October 1 before heading to Edinburgh to face Scotland as part of their World Cup preparations.

Wardle, 23, made his England senior debut earlier this year in the mid-season international friendly against Combined Nations All Stars.

22-year-old Dupree has been added after an impressive stint with Salford. He made the mid-season switch to Super League from Widnes.

John Bateman will serve the first of his three-match ban and has not been included in the squad. He is set to miss England’s World Cup opener against Samoa on October 15 at Newcastle’s St James’ Park.

Sam Halsall, Ollie Partington, Kai Pearce-Paul and Morgan Smithies have all been dropped from the initial squad. England senior head coach Shaun Wane is expected to name his 24-man team for the World Cup later this week.

Reacting to his call-up, Dupree said: “I’m buzzing to be included in the England Knights squad. It’s been a rollercoaster of a year and I’m glad it’s not over yet.

“My coaches and team-mates have played a massive part in me becoming a better player and getting this opportunity.”