SEVEN Saints Women stars have been named in the England 19-player squad to face Wales at Headingley tomorrow.
They will be headed by Jodie Cunningham, who will captain the side in her 30th full international appearance.
Only her Saints teammate Emily Rudge, who is also in the 19, is ahead of her in the all-time appearance standings.
Cunningham’s achievement will round-off what has been a historic year for the 31-year-old, who in August became the first woman to lift the Challenge Cup at Wembley Stadium.
The other Saints selected are Shona Hoyle, Tara Jones, Eboni Partington, Paige Travis and Vicky Whitfield.
Lacey Owen is likely to make her international debut after a stellar campaign with York Valkyrie sees the 23-year-old return to the senior England squad after a three-year hiatus.
Owen was influential during this year’s Betfred Women’s Super League Grand Final, the second row’s 62nd minute try securing the Valkyrie’s first ever title.
NRLW Grand Final-winner Georgia Roche returns to Headingley for the first time since making the move Down Under from Leeds Rhinos to Newcastle Knights earlier this season.
England Women head coach Stuart Barrow said: “We’ve been in camp for a few days now and I have been really impressed with everyone’s attitude and commitment since we got together as a group again.
"We’re all focused on the challenge ahead and I think we are in a good place heading into Saturday.
“It’s going to be a fantastic occasion in front of the crowd at Headingley, and hopefully we can secure a win and make it a special day for both Jodie and Lacey, who will be celebrating a 30th and debut cap achievement.”
The match kicks off at noon and is the first game of an international double header which also features the final match of England men’s historic series against Tonga, kick-off 2.30pm.
England Women squad: Caitlin Beevers, Keara Bennett (both Leeds Rhinos), Jodie Cunningham (St Helens), Anna Davies (Wigan Warriors), Amy Hardcastle (Leeds Rhinos), Shona Hoyle (St Helens), Zoe Hornby (Leeds Rhinos), Tara Jones (St Helens), Vicky Molyneux (Wigan Warriors), Lacey Owen (York Valkyrie), Eboni Partington (St Helens), Sinead Peach (York Valkyrie), Emily Rudge (St Helens), Georgia Roche (Newcastle Knights), Tamzin Renouf (York Valkyrie), Olivia Wood (York Valkyrie), Tara-Jane Stanley (York Valkyrie), Paige Travis, Vicky Whitfield (both St Helens)
Tickets for the Headingley double-header, and England Wheelchair versus France at the first direct Arena on Sunday, are available now at eticketing.co.uk/rugbyleague
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