Jamie Peacock: Pearce-Paul can be World Cup bolter

I love the inclusion of Kai Pearce-Paul in England?s squad - he could be a World Cup bolter.

He?s only 21 but the Wigan player is someone I feel could make a real difference in this tournament if he gets his chance off the bench.

He?s got size, ability and - something we don?t have too much of - a great offload.

Pearce-Paul has played centre but he?s an out and out back-rower for me.

He needs to have his hands on the ball  a bit but I do feel he?s got the ability to make it at international level as an unproven Test player. He could do something special if given a shot.

It?s a great opportunity for him and Jack Welsby.

Jonny Lomax is a big loss and there?s a number of players missing who would have been in this England team.

But Lomax?s absence gives Welsby a chance at half to show what he can do. He was outstanding there in the second half for St Helens against Leeds in last week?s Grand Final, taking the game by the scruff of the neck. 

That?s the sort of form he needs to show for England in the World Cup if they are to be successful in it.

Read Jamie Peacock's full column on the Daily Mirror website