Cumbria have five players in the England Community Lions Under 19s train-on squad for the European Championships.
Head coach Allan Coleman has announced a 32-strong group following a trial at Pilkington Recs.
In the trial the invited players were split across three teams who then played against each other.
The Cumbrians are Rio Wilson-McQuistan, Jack Newbigin (both Millom), Blaine Graham (Kells), Logan Holgate (Hensingham) and Mitchell Todd (Lowca).
Speaking on how selection worked, Coleman said: “On the day I split the staff up over the three teams, I then took their feedback and nominated players, and that’s how we whittled it down.”
This squad is made up of players from 24 Community Rugby League clubs including representation from Cumbria, Lancashire, and Yorkshire and from famous old names like Millom, Siddal, and Leigh Miners Rangers.
“I was really excited by the amount of quality that was there at Pilks. We could have picked many more if I’m honest. Unfortunately, though we can’t and it’s going to be even more of a difficult job now, cutting it back to 21,” Coleman said.
“I just feel that the squad we’ve got now gives us a real balance of quality. There are three or four there for every position. That’s going to bring some challenges but also what I feel will be the best quality for England.”
While the squad includes several names that have impressed for England previously at earlier age groups, there are also several players that have the chance to put their best foot forward including two players from Cottingham Tigers and one each from the likes of Lowca and Westgate Common.
“There are some kids out there that progressively come through the age groups of international representation, but you also get some who don’t potentially get seen, and I think how we do the Lions programme now, especially through Alan Davidson, means we reach out to as many clubs as we possibly can and it doesn’t matter what division they are in, it’s important they get as much opportunity as anyone else.
“That’s where you’ll see these hidden gems and it gives everyone a fair playing field.
“It’s really important that these clubs get exposure as well, then hopefully it grows their club. That’s also really important for us all on the Lions programme.”
The 32-player squad will meet up on the 6th March at Leigh Miners Rangers’ Twist Lane home for further training with a view to 21-player squad eventually being selected for the European Championships.
