A BARROW-born player will be in the England squad for the opener of the Rugby League World Cup against Samoa in Newcastle. 

Morgan Knowles, who plays as a loose forward or second-row for St Helens, has been given number 15 in the England squad by head coach Shaun Wane.

The opener kicks off at St James' Park at 2.30pm on Saturday and will be shown live on BBC One. 

Knowles had a ban lifted to play in the Super League final, which he won with St Helens against Leeds.

The named England squad is as follows: 

1 Sam Tomkins (Catalans Dragons, Capt.)

2 Tommy Makinson (St Helens)

3 Kallum Watkins (Salford Red Devils)

4 Herbie Farnworth (Brisbane Broncos)

6 Jack Welsby (St Helens)

7 George Williams (Warrington Wolves)

8 Tom Burgess (South Sydney Rabbitohs)

9 Micky McIlorum (Catalans Dragons)

10 Luke Thompson (Canterbury Bulldogs)

11 Elliott Whitehead (Canberra Raiders)

13 Victor Radley (Sydney Roosters)

14 Dom Young (Newcastle Knights)

15 Morgan Knowles (St Helens)

16 Matty Lees (St Helens)