St Helens ace Luke Thompson may be called up by England for New Zealand Test

LUKE Thompson could seal an England call up by inspiring St Helens to victory.

SunSport understands the prop is in the running to make national boss Wayne Bennett’s squad for the June 23 Test against New Zealand in Denver.

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Thompson’s performances have caught the eye of England coaches and Australia-based Bennett.

And the 23-year-old may replace injured clubmate Alex Walmsley in the party, which will be released on Monday.

Bennett has other Super League-based injury woes with Luke Gale, Kallum Watkins and Ben Currie also out long term, leaving the door open for Saints stars Mark Percival and Danny Richardson.

Tommy Makinson, who also faces Hull KR tonight, has also played himself into the international reckoning as Justin Holbrook’s men aim for the treble.

While one player may make the step up to England, a quartet of Englishmen may be reunited Down Under.

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For Salford ace Luke Burgess, whose side heads to Hull tonight, is thought to be keen to head back to former club South Sydney, where brothers Sam, Thomas and George all play.

And after admitting he will head back Down Under once he finishes playing, SunSport understands a return to Souths in an off-field role for 2019 is looking likely for the 31-year-old.

Burgess could have been partnered by full-back Quentin Laulu-Togaga’e at Salford but the Samoan decided to head to Castleford at the last minute.

And ahead of his debut at Warrington, the full-back knows he will be a tongue twister for opponents and commentators alike.

The arrival from Halifax, whose last name is pronounced La-oo-lu-Tonga-guy, said: “Some commentators try and pronounce the name but end up just calling me Q all game. I don’t mind, as long as they give it a try – I know it’s a tough last name to pronounce.”