To get England cap would be so special

Hull KR ace James Batchelor has spoken - quietly - of his delight at getting called up to England's Ashes plans.

- By DAVID CRAVEN

The uncapped Robins vice-captain has been drafted into Shaun Wane's 32-man squad for the end-of-season series against world champions Australia.

It is deserved recognition for a player who has been such a big part of KR’s rise to the top of Super League. Since moving from hometown Wakefield three years ago, second-row Batchelor, who played for England Knights against Papua New Guinea in 2018, has developed into one of the competition's leading forwards.

He faces stiff competition from the likes of Leeds pair Morgan Gannon and James McDonnell, fellow newboys who are also hoping to make their England Test debuts against the Kangaroos, plus Wigan star Junior Nsemba who is nailed on to feature.

England coach Shaun Wane is also likely to add NRL trio Kai Pearce-Paul, John Bateman and Matty Nicholson to his plans nearer the time.