Uncapped Wigan Warriors’ star Junior Nsemba, 20, in line for England call-up
Powerhouse Wigan forward Junior Nsemba has bagged a place in England’s plans to face Samoa.
The rip-roaring second-row, who only turned 20 in June, is set to be included in Shaun Wane’s 31-man squad that will be named on Friday morning. He has enjoyed a brilliant breakout season, seizing his chance after team-mate Willie Isa suffered a serious injury in April.
Nsemba featured as Wigan won the Challenge Cup final at Wembley and, with his hard-hitting and running displays, has become a mainstay of Matt Peet’s starting side.
Wane is clearly a fan and it is understood the uncapped forward – man-of-the-match again in Saturday’s win in Catalans – will get the nod along with club-mate Liam Marshall, Super League’s leading try-scorer.
Six NRL players, including Sydney Roosters’ Victor Radley, are also believed to be in the frame for the two-Test series starting next month.
England face Samoa at the Brick Community Stadium, Wigan on Sunday October 27 (2.30pm) before meeting once more on Saturday November 2 (2.30pm) at Leeds Rhinos’ AMT Headingley Stadium.
It will be the first time they have faced each other since Samoa broke English hearts with a golden point winner in a dramatic World Cup semi-final at Emirates Stadium in 2022.
Wane’s side have only had one game so far this year, the much-maligned 40-8 victory over France in Toulouse, a low-key affair when the head coach was absent due to an ankle operation.
However, star-studded Samoa will be a much-sterner test as England prepare to step up their preparations for next year’s Ashes series down under and the 2026 World Cup.