Jonny Lomax among England’s World Cup absentees as Andy Ackers set for call-up
JONNY Lomax and Mark Percival have dealt England’s World Cup hopes a double injury blow.
The St Helens pair, who both played as they won their fourth straight Super League title, will not be in boss Shaun Wane’s squad when it is revealed today.
But SunSport understands Andy Ackers is in line for a place after a stunning season for Salford.
Half back Lomax will get a ruptured bicep he defied since May to help his club beat Leeds in the Grand Final, which he was named man of the match in, repaired.
And even though he appeared in the semi-final and final, centre Percival has been ruled out.
Hooker Ackers, 28, is believed to have been training with the national side ahead of today’s squad naming, with some sources believing he is in.
He could be an option for Wane from the bench as bigger players are tiring because of his style that frequently sees him make metres around the ruck.
If he is named in the 24-man party, it will be some rise from playing part-time rugby at Swinton Lions in 2015.
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He is also one of the players still owed money following the collapse of Toronto Wolfpack, where he played before joining Salford.
This year, however, has seen him establish himself as one of the best number nines in the country and an England shirt alongside Michael McIlorum, at least in the warm-up clash with Fiji, would be seen by many as just reward.
Wane is keeping his cards close to his chest ahead of today’s big reveal. However, Ackers’ clubmate Kallum Watkins is believed to have made it as a centre, along with Lancashire-born Brisbane Broncos star Herbie Farnworth.
Liam Farrell’s injury opens the door for a place for St Helens back rower Joe Batchelor while clubmate Matty Lees is set for a spot at prop, especially as Alex Walmsley is injured, with Huddersfield’s Chris Hill.
England’s players, who will be skippered by Sam Tomkins, head into camp on Tuesday.