Jamaica v England Knights: five to watch

15 Oct 2021

Jamaica v England Knights: five to watch

Jamaica face England Knights live from Castleford’s Mend-A-Hose Jungle tonight at 7.45pm as part of Jordan Turner’s testimonial. 

Tickets are available on the gate or can be purchased here, with the match also available to buy on OurLeague for fans unable to attend. All proceeds from the game will go towards Jordan Turner’s Testimonial Fund.

The international fixture will see an array of Betfred Super League’s best up and coming talent take the field alongside some of the competitions reigning stars.

Here, we take a look at five players to watch ahead of tonight’s game. 

Jordan Turner (Jamaica/Castleford Tigers)

Where else to start than the testimonial man himself. Turner was a standout in 2021 – he joined Cas during the off season and quickly became one of the signings of the season. His versatility across the Tigers backline was invaluable and his 13 tries from 16 Super League appearances was better than any other Cas player this year. Turner produced some eye catching finishes out wide and was industrious in both attack and defence.

He was desperately unlucky not to be included in this year’s Dream Team - and you can expect to see plenty more from him when he lines up for Jamaica. As a senior and well-respected figure, he will lead the Jamaican charge and undoubtedly have his hand in a lot of what his side do well tonight.

Mikey Lewis (England Knights/Hull KR)

Mikey the magician has lit up Super League in 2021. He has produced several moments of brilliance throughout the season – none more so than his sensational solo effort for the Robins against Warrington during the Play-Off eliminators. Under the watchful eye of Tony Smith, Lewis is in great hands. He has all the talent to become one of the best British halves in the competition over the next five years.

His rise into the Knights squad has been quick but thoroughly deserved. He is a player that can create a chance from nothing, and it will be fantastic to see him compete on the big stage. He had try involvements in five of his last six games for Hull KR, so goes into tonight’s fixture in fine form and full of confidence.

Morgan Gannon (England Knights/Leeds Rhinos)

At just 17 years old, Morgan Gannon is the youngest player in either of tonight’s squads. But don’t let that fool you – he is more than capable of imposing himself at international level after impressing for the Rhinos during his breakthrough season. After his first taste of Super League in Round 3 against Wigan, Gannon made 12 appearances for the Rhinos during his debut year in the top flight. 

He quickly proved he could mix it at the top level and was a standout during his sides Round 20 win against Huddersfield – Gannon putting in an accomplished 80-minute performance in the back row, making 164 metres, 30 tackles and 6 tackle busts. And there’s still so much more to come.

Ashton Golding (Jamaica/Huddersfield Giants)

The ever-reliable Golding had a frustrating season for the Giants with injuries limiting his game time in 2021. However, he showed up extremely well during his 10 appearances this season and will be a key figure in the Jamaica side this evening.

Golding carried for over 100 metres in eight of his 10 games this season – he is a willing ball runner from the back and a defensively sound full back. He even had stints at hooker for the Giants and slotted in seamlessly at dummy half – his versatility and work ethic will be key for Jamaica if they are to get a result against a young England Knights side.

Danny Walker (England Knights/Warrington Wolves)

Walker has been handed the captaincy for Friday Night in what is another significant milestone in his career. Playing alongside fellow international hooker Daryl Clark at Warrington, Walker is in no better place to learn his craft. He made 15 Super League appearances for the Wolves in 2021 and is getting better and better every time he takes the field.

He averaged over 10 metres a carry in 2021 - his darting runs out of dummy half are a constant threat around the ruck, and his defence is equally as impressive. Now, with a starting spot in the middle and the captaincy to hand, he will take centre stage for the Knights on Friday Night.

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