2 Jul 2024

Archie Sykes named in England Academy Team

Paul Anderson, the RFL’s Head of England Pathways, has named Huddersfield Giants Archie Sykes in the England Academy team to face France at Warrington’s Halliwell Jones Stadium this evening (Tuesday 2 July, 7.30pm).

The team will be led by St Helens half-back George Whitby, who is tipped by some to step into Lewis Dodd’s shoes when the Saints scrum-half heads to the NRL in 2025.

Alongside Whitby in the halves will be Hull FC’s Jack Charles, one of several selections who already have Super League experience. They include Warrington Wolves pair Cai Taylor-Wray and Arron Lindop – a try-scorer on home turf against Wigan Warriors in the Wolves’ 18-19 Super League defeat in May.

Also among Anderson’s 17 are two players who have just signed long-term deals with Leeds Rhinos. Loose forward Presley Cassell, who joined the Rhinos this year having previously played at West Bowling and Siddal, has just agreed a new five year contract that will keep him at AMT Headingley until at least the end of the 2028 season, while centre Marcus Qareqare has signed a four-year deal.

Paul Anderson, Head of England Pathways, says: “I’m really excited about what this group can achieve. In the last few days, we have exposed the players to what an England environment looks and feels like, with the challenge and intensity of short-term representative preparation that they might one day experience at senior international level. Now it’s almost time for us to take high quality practice out onto the field.”

England Academy versus France takes place at the Halliwell Jones Stadium, Warrington, on Tuesday 2 July, 7.30pm. Admission is £5 (£2 concessions). The match will also be streamed live on the RFL’s YouTube channel from 7.15pm.

England Academy team (including players’ professional and community clubs)