HUDDERSFIELD hooker Scott Moore has been given the nod to start for England in tomorrow’s Gillette Fusion international against France in Paris.
Moore, 21, who is with the Giants on a season-long loan from St Helens, will be one of two new faces in the England starting line-up at Stade Jean Bouin.
Coach Tony Smith confirmed Leeds winger Ryan Hall will also make his debut and the other two uncapped players in his 19-man squad – Wigan half-back Sam Tomkins and Castleford loose forward Joe Westerman – will be left out.
Westerman, who was a late replacement for injured Wigan captain Sean O’Loughlin, was also 18th man for the corresponding match in Toulouse a year ago.
Moore gets the vote ahead of St Helens hooker James Roby, who will be on the bench, after a brilliant first half of the domestic season.
He has started all 16 of his matches so far this year and played a key role in the Giants’ march to the semi-finals of the Challenge Cup and fourth place in the engage Super League.
“He’s earned his stripes,” said Smith. “He’s been on the radar for a while but he’s certainly kicked on a bit this year.
“He’s talented and smart but he’s also tough and that’s part of what’s got him here. He’s been in the middle doing it week in, week out with the Giants.”
Roby, who played in three of England’s four games at the World Cup, will adopt a familiar role, having been on the bench for all but three of St Helens’ 18 matches so far this year, but he is expected to be vying with Moore for the starting role next year if Keiron Cunningham hangs up his boots.
Moore said: “That’s the plan. I’ve got another year left there and I’ve had a meeting with Mick (Potter), who’s set out the ground rules and what he expects of me when I go back.
“I’m friends with James – I grew up with him and played with him in the academy and first team.”
Meanwhile, even without front-row pair James Graham and Roby, St Helens will be expected to consolidate top spot when they entertain Castleford tonight (kick-off 8pm).
The Tigers were mauled 68-22 by Saints at the Jungle back in April.
Sean Long booted 10 goals and Samoan forward Tony Puletua scored four of his side’s 12 tries that day as Saints raced into a 38-6 half-time lead.
But Saints assistant coach Keiron Purtill is warning his team to expect a tougher match this time.
“I don’t think you will see the same Castleford team,” he said.
“We caught them cold and everything we did seemed to come off.
“They have found some form over the previous two weeks.
“They are an attacking team and, if you give them easy possession or too many penalties, they can cause you problems.”
