Rugby league: Former Mayfield players invited to England Knights gathering

Matty Ashton

Three former Mayfield players have been invited to a gathering by England Knights’ coach Paul Anderson as possibilities for his 2020 squad.

Matty Ashton, Jack Ashworth and Matty Lees have been invited with 29 other players to a players’ gathering at Old Trafford on Monday 23 March.

Now playing for Warrington, Ashton, 21, played junior rugby at Mayfield under the tutelage of Dean Hartley and Marvin Connolly up to under 16 level. He was trained by Matt Calland (now Rochdale Hornets’ head coach) at under 18’s level before making his debut in the Mayfield open age side.

After two seasons with the Mayfield NCL side, Ashton decided to try his luck in Australia and had a successful season with the Mullumbimby Giants team in New South Wales before returning to the UK to sign for Swinton at the beginning of last season.

St Helens forwards Ashworth and Lees both played for Mayfield as juniors.

Knights’ coach Anderson said: “I’m very excited to be part of a new era for England Rugby League and eager to help Shaun achieve the success that players and fans alike are desperate for.

“England Knights is an important part of the process and this is an opportunity for potential squad members to hear our plans first hand and understand how they can be a part of them.”  

Also invited to the 2021 Rugby League World Cup Final venue are 31 prospective Ashes candidates.