Kai Pearce-Paul injury latest with England star's absence explained

Kai Pearce-Paul was a notable absentee for England's second Test with Samoa. The back-rower, who currently plays in the NRL for Newcastle Knights, was not included in Shaun Wane's matchday seventeen for the Headingley showdown, but the reason has now been explained.

It was confirmed that Pearce-Paul was absent due to a calf injury, with a decision made to not risk the forward for the fixture at Headingley. Pearce-Paul was replaced by Junior Nsemba, who was handed his Test debut in what has been an excellent year for Super League's young player of the year.

Pearce-Paul has had an eventful year himself, heading down under and having a strong first season in the NRL with the Knights, as well as playing for England in the first Test at the Brick Community Stadium.

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Both Pearce-Paul and Nsemba appear likely to be mainstays in the England team for several years. Aged 23 and 20 respectively, John Bateman remains a regular under Shaun Wane but will be 32 by the time the next World Cup comes around.