Overview
- AJ Brimson will start at full-back on his England debut after switching allegiance earlier this year following standout form for the Gold Coast Titans.
- Harry Smith and Morgan Smithies return to the squad, with Jack Welsby, John Bateman and Ethan Harvard omitted as Wane acts on last week’s defeat.
- England have cited illness for Bateman’s absence, while Wane said the broader changes were required after the 26-6 loss at Wembley.
- Wane targets improved execution after admitting England’s end-of-set play and skill errors fell short in the opening Test.
- The second Test at Everton’s sold-out Hill Dickinson Stadium could see a restored Smith–George Williams halves pairing, a move observers view as possible after Smith’s recall.