Australia-born second-row forward Jasmin Strange has been named in England's 23-strong squad for the upcoming Rugby League World Cup. Strange, who plays for Sydney Roosters and is set to feature in Sunday's NRLW Grand Final, qualifies for England through her mother, Adele.
The 23-year-old is one of four potential debutants in the squad. She is joined by uncapped players Connie Boyd of Leeds Rhinos, Hope Millard from Canterbury Bulldogs, and Wigan Warriors' Lucie Sams. The squad also features three other NRLW players: Fran Goldthorp, Georgia Roche, and Hollie-Mae Dodd.
England head coach Stu Barrow stated that narrowing the squad from 40 players involved difficult decisions, aiming for a balance of experience and youth. He also noted the inclusion of Australian-based heritage players for the first time, following relaxed International Rugby League eligibility rules this year.
Loose forward Jodie Cunningham, who will retire after the World Cup, has been selected alongside St Helens team-mate Vicky Whitfield, who will be competing in her fourth World Cup. England will begin their group matches in Perth against Wales on 17 October, followed by Australia on 24 October, and Samoa in Wollongong on 30 October.