England v Australia in Las Vegas: Georgia Roche returns, Jas Bell and Jenna Foubister called up
Georgia Roche will make its 16-month debut in a squad facing Australia, including an uncovered pair of Jas Bell and Jenna Foubister.
Newcastle Cavaliers’ half-back Roche missed two Tests in 2024 after pledging to Australia’s club.
England will be part of plans for four rugby league matches at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, England will compete in Australia from March 1 (March 2-March 2).
There will also be a men’s Premier League match between the Wigan Warriors and Warrington Wolves and two NRL fixtures – facing the Canberra Raiders of the New Zealand Warriors and Penrith Panthers v. Cronulla – Sutherland Sharks.
Prop Bell, 26, was asked to head to Rasway after helping York Valkyrie retain the women’s Premier League title in October to beat St Helens Traveling in Las Vegas.
Foubister, 18, was one of two Wigan players at the party, and Anna Davies made five attempts when they scored their biggest wins of all time last November, beating Wales 82-0 at Headingley .
Another member of the York Finals, George Dagger, returned to the setup.
The 27-year-old, formerly known as Georgie Hetherington, missed the victory over Wales as she married her partner Will Will Dagger that day, who was in Playing in the York Cavaliers’ men’s championship.
Head coach Stu Barrow has laid off 11 players from 31 training teams in November.
Huddersfield defender Amelia Brown includes missed players, her debut against Wales in November, former England captain Emily Rudge and Wigan Isabel Rowe.
“It’s a very difficult selection process because there’s a lot of talent in the group, which means unfortunately there are some really good players who will miss it.
“Now, we have to focus on the challenges ahead, this is the first historic fixed match against the world champion since 2017 and I am very much looking forward to the last training camp next weekend.”
The Australian opponent fell into turmoil during the game, with head coach Brad Donald resigning on Friday.
Donald has been in charge since 2016 and has led Jillaroos to two World Cup final victories, with the NRL reportedly accusing him of making derogatory comments to a reporter in front of the player.
Donald’s assistant Jess Skinner will be held temporarily in Australia in Las Vegas.
