Brian McDermott has explained why England’s unique World Cup situation played a key role in his decision to pick Jez Litten ahead of Super League Man of Steel Brad O’Neill against Papua New Guinea.
England need a 68-point swing – as well as a Tonga win over Samoa – to reach the semi-finals after breathing life into their campaign with an 82-0 demolition of France.
And that desperate situation has prompted McDermott to turn to Hull KR hooker Litten, with Wigan Warriors star O’Neill dropped to the reserves.
Mikey Lewis and Jack Welsby have also been named on the extended interchange bench once again, having made a big impact against France last week with three tries between them.
McDermott insists his selections are all about finding the right formula to deliver the emphatic victory England need.
“The players have been great, they’ve been absolutely fantastic to work with. They all understand the concept of it’s a squad effort, not just a team effort,” McDermott said.
“We’ve got a specific task this weekend against PNG, and I think it’ll be a stiffer test than it was against France.
“We find ourselves in another similar, very unique situation, where we don’t just need to beat them, but beat them convincingly.
“Picking a team that is best suited to that is the main task.
“They’re not the easiest conversations to have, but they are when the players themselves have got a lot of humility, and Brad was great.”
Meanwhile, Ben Talty is one of two England stars yet to feature in this World Cup, with the Brisbane Broncos prop having been one of five uncapped players named in the 23-man squad.
The 27-year-old is representing his maternal grandparents, who were born in Stoke-on-Trent before emigrating to Australia.
Despite being overlooked for the opening matches, Talty has impressed McDermott with his attitude and willingness to put the team first.
Kallum Watkins, a late addition to the squad following Morgan Smithies’ withdrawal through injury, has also yet to feature.
Morgan Knowles, meanwhile, is set to make his first appearance of the tournament against the Kumuls at loose forward after missing England’s opening two games with a calf injury.
“It’s just selection. Every week it’s a tough call, and Ben Talty has been very close in all of three games. We know what he brings, and I was really pleased to be able to give him a call and say you’re in the squad,” McDermott said.
“I worked with him at Newcastle Knights, so I understand some of his mentality. He’s a really good foot soldier, and all the games, there needs to be a foundation laid and he’s an expert of that, which he’s done with Brisbane.
“It’s just a selection thing, but he’s the epitome of what a squad member can do for the group. At no point has it ever been a problem for him.
“Yes, he’s disappointed he’s not playing, but all he’s done is add to the group and been a real positive to the group.
“If we carry on in this tournament after this weekend, then who knows.”