One noticeable absence from England’s second Test match against Samoa was Kai Pearce-Paul. The reason why the back-rower, who currently plays for the Newcastle Knights in the NRL, was left out of Shaun Wane’s matchday seventeen for the Headingley matchup has finally been revealed.
It was decided not to risk the forward for the match against Headingley when it was known that Pearce-Paul was out with a calf injury. Junior Nsemba, who has had a stellar season as the Super League’s young player of the year, took Pearce-Paul’s position after making his Test debut.
Pearce-Paul has had a busy year himself, traveling to Australia and playing for the Knights in the NRL for a successful debut season. He has also represented England in the
Pearce-Paul has had a busy year himself, traveling to Australia and playing for the Knights in the NRL’s inaugural season. He also represented England in the first Test match at the Brick Community Stadium.
Nsemba and Pearce-Paul seem certain to be England’s team mainstays for a number of years. John Bateman, who is still a regular under Shaun Wane at the ages of 23 and 20, will be 32 by the time the next World Cup rolls around.