Morley overlooked for England squad

Adrian Morley is a shock omission from the England squad to face the Exiles
7 June 2012

Fifty-cap veteran Adrian Morley has been left out of Steve McNamara's England squad for the forthcoming fixtures with the Exiles.

Other notable selections for the two meetings include the return of Wigan's Gareth Hock, back in an England side for the first time since his drugs ban, and Huddersfield's former Scotland international Danny Brough.

Hull's in-form Danny Tickle and Warrington centre Ryan Atkins are the two players coach Steve McNamara has chosen to pick from outside of his Elite Training Squad, while four players - Brough included - are still to make their England debuts.

But the non-selection of Warrington forward Morley is perhaps the biggest headline.

Alongside Jamie Peacock, who retains the captaincy, the 35-year-old has been considered to be McNamara's first-choice pick ever since he took office two years ago.

Unlike Peacock, though, he has yet to confirm if he intends to play on into 2013 - a World Cup year - and has only just returned from a neck injury.

McNamara is expected to confirm the reasoning behind the decision later, but has not called time on any player not included on Thursday.

"For the other players that have missed out, the door is still open and it is important they continue to work hard in the domestic competition with a view to getting back in the squad," he said.

"It is a pleasing situation to be in. We have competition for places right across the team and every player knows they have to perform week in, week out if they are going to be part of the England programme."

England squad to face the Exiles: Ablett (Leeds), Atkins (Warrington), Briscoe (Hull), Brough (Huddersfield), Burrow (Leeds), Carvell (Warrington), Charnley (Wigan), Chase (Castleford), Crabtree (Huddersfield), Cudjoe (Huddersfield), Hall (Leeds), Hock (Wigan), Jones-Buchanan (Leeds), Mossop (Wigan), O'Loughlin (Wigan), Peacock, captain (Leeds), Roby (St Helens), Sinfield (Leeds), Tickle (Hull), Tomkins (Wigan), Wilkin (St Helens).

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