Zak Hardaker to make England debut

Leeds Rhinos full-back Zak Hardaker will make his England debut in Saturday's European Championship encounter with Wales in Wrexham.

The 21-year-old will come into the side in place of the injured Sam Tomkins who is sidelined with a groin problem.

"Obviously Sam's a special talent, but we want competition for every place in the team and Zak is capable of providing that at full-back," said England coach Steve McNamara.

Hardaker's Leeds teammate Kallum Watkins and Warrington Wolves' Chris Hill are also in line to make their debuts on the weekend.