League: Seven uncapped players in England squad to face Kiwis

Former Warriors fullback Sam Tomkins in action for England. Photo/Getty.

England coach Steve McNamara has named seven uncapped players in a 24-man squad for their upcoming autumn international matches against France and New Zealand.

The squad also contains 16 players who featured in last year's Four Nations, including former Warriors fullback Sam Tomkins - one of six players from the NRL - who may be utilised in the halves due to the presence of Leeds Rhinos No1 and Super League Man of Steel award winner, Zak Hardaker.

Captain Sean O'Loughlin will lead three of his Wigan club teammates- John Bateman, Joe Burgess and George William - in their first foray into test football, along with Warrington Wolves forward Ben Currie, Huddersfield winger Jermaine McGillvary and Castleford half-back Luke Gale. NRL-based forward Mike Cooper was also selected after being a non-playing member of last year's Four Nations squad.

"We spent a long time selecting this squad and there were some close calls with a lot of competition for places," said McNamara.

"There is a tremendous challenge in front of us against the best Rugby League nation in the world. New Zealand will be formidable opponents.

"There is a strong core of players that have come through the England system over recent years and have the desire, appetite and quality to do English Rugby League proud in this tournament.

"We are fully aware that we will need to work exceptionally hard and play to a very high level to win the tournament.

"Our aim is to win our first home series against southern hemisphere opposition since Great Britain defeated New Zealand in 2007."

Six players - South Sydney Rabbitohs' George Burgess, St Helens' Alex Walmsley, Leeds' Stevie Ward, Brisbane Broncos' Jack Reed, Warrington's Stefan Ratchford and Wigan's Joel Tomkins - were unavailable through injury.

The Kiwis are also understrength, with usual captain Simon Mannering (illness), Shaun Johnson (ankle), Kieran Foran (elbow), Thomas Leuluai (knee) and Jason Taumalolo (knee) all out of action.

England begin their campaign with a warm-up match against France at Headingley Stadium on Friday, October 23, before meeting the Kiwis in a three-test series, with games scheduled at Hull's KC Stadium, the Olympic Stadium in London and Wigan's DW Stadium throughout November.

England's 24-man squad: John Bateman, Joe Burgess (both Wigan), Tom Burgess (South Sydney), Mike Cooper (St George Illawarra Dragons), Leroy Cudjoe (Huddersfield), Ben Currie (Warrington), Liam Farrell (Wigan), Brett Ferres (Huddersfield), Luke Gale (Castleford), James Graham (Canterbury Bulldogs), Ryan Hall, Zak Hardaker (both Leeds), Chris Hill (Warrington), Josh Hodgson (Canberra), Jermaine McGillvary (Huddersfield), Sean O'Loughlin (Wigan), James Roby (St Helens), Matty Smith (Wigan), Sam Tomkins (New Zealand Warriors), Kallum Watkins (Leeds), Ben Westwood (Warrington), Elliott Whitehead (Catalans), Gareth Widdop (St George Illawarra Dragons), George Williams (Wigan).