England Four Nations squad

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England Four Nations squad

[DIEHARD]

England's Heighington set for Four Nations

England have added yet more NRL talent to their Four Nations campaign with Wests Tigers lock Chris Heighington added to Steve McNamara's train-on squad.

Just days after luring rookie Brisbane centre Jack Reed to the Lions fold, the host nation named Heighington in their extended squad after the Tigers workhorse - who possess dual nationality due to his English father - declared his intention to play for England.

"I'm delighted that Chris wants to play for England, he's an outstanding player who I'm really looking forward to working with during the fall-out program and perhaps beyond," McNamara said.

"His work-rate and work ethic are first class and I'm sure those qualities will enhance the elite training squad as we strive to achieve international success."

Heighington is expected to be joined by Tigers teammate Gareth Ellis in the final squad, though Ellis still needs to be cleared by medical officials, while Melbourne's five-eighth Gareth Widdop is almost certain to be involved.

"Playing for England is something that's been on my mind for a good few years now and if I get the chance I'll be very proud," Heighington said.

"I've spoken to Gareth about it and to players like (South Sydney's) Sam Burgess and Gareth Widdop and the idea has become more exciting for me."

Burgess has already been ruled out of the tournament due to injury.

http://www.nrl.com/

[Chaos]

England are gaining some good players...shame about Burgess not playing.

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England are gaining some good players...shame about Burgess not playing.

Yea he is a big blow. Hopefully next year....

[DIEHARD]

Tigers' Ellis set for league Four Nations

England coach Steve McNamara has confirmed the fitness of Wests Tigers forward Gareth Ellis for the upcoming Four Nations series.

The former Wakefield and Leeds second rower was thought to be in some doubt after his NRL club coach Tim Sheens suggested in August that he would need groin surgery at the end of the season.

But McNamara today drafted the 30-year-old Ellis into his train-on squad preparing for the matches starting next month against Australia, New Zealand and Wales.

"We are delighted that Gareth is fully fit and available for the Gillette Four Nations," McNamara said.

"It is a massive boost for the whole country and will add real strength to our pack.

"He's had a groin problem but he has changed his rehabilitation program midway through the season and he is fine now and looking forward to being part of our preparations.

"Gareth has been in tremendous form in the NRL and has produced some stand-out performances during this campaign.

"He will join up with us next month, when the full squad reports to Loughborough ahead of the tournament starting."

McNamara will announce his 24-man squad on Monday, October 10, but South Sydney prop Sam Burgess has been ruled out with a shoulder injury.

Source: http://www,nrl.com