Hull KR will have several representatives at this year’s Rugby League World Cup Down Under, with retiring back-rower Rhyse Martin also set to feature for Papua New Guinea.
Martin will call time on his well-respected career following international duty with the Kumuls at the tournament. He has been named in their 23-player squad alongside Leigh duo Edwin Ipape and Liam Horne, and St Helens’ Nene Macdonald.
Papua New Guinea will kick off their campaign against Lebanon on Saturday, October 17, before facing Samoa and England.
Martin, 33, will then hang up his boots at the conclusion of the tournament before joining incoming NRL franchise PNG Chiefs as football operations manager. Willie Peters will take over as their new head coach ahead of their inaugural season in 2028.
Arthur Mourgue and Jordan Dezaria will both represent France at this year’s tournament, with the pair also set to face England on Saturday, October 24. France will open their campaign against Samoa on Friday, October 16, before concluding the group stage against Lebanon on Sunday, November 1.
Dezaria, 29, made 10 appearances for the Robins during his debut campaign in East Hull, all from the interchange bench. He has won six caps for France to date, while full-back Mourgue has eight since making his international debut against England in 2021.
They are joined by departing Hull FC stars and new Catalans Dragons recruits Amir Bourouh and Arthur Romano in the international squad.
Mikey Lewis and Jez Litten will both represent England after being selected in Brian McDermott’s 23-player squad.
Maverick half-back Lewis has been given the nod over Leeds’ Jake Connor, with George Williams and Harry Smith also named in the travelling squad alongside Sydney Roosters utility Hugo Savala.
Litten has been named alongside new Man of Steel and Wigan star Brad O’Neill as England’s two specialist hookers.
England will kick off their campaign against Tonga on Saturday, October 17, before also facing France and Papua New Guinea in the group stages, with all games live on Premier Sports.
Hull KR old boy Brad Takairangi will also represent Cook Islands at this year’s tournament, with games to be played in Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea.
The winners will progress through to the semi-finals in a 10-team tournament, with the final set to be staged at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium on Sunday, November 15.