Zoe Hornby will complete the final leg of her remarkable rugby league career when she makes her England debut against Canada in their second Women’s World Cup group stage match in Wigan on Saturday.

Two years after starring for Whitley Bay Barbarians in the North East League, Hornby will find himself back in the spotlight for the first half of a doubles tie at DW Stadium, which also includes the men’s quarter-final of England versus Papua New Guinea.

The 23-year-old striker caught the eye of the Leeds Rhinos in 2021 after a successful trial, and just over a year later was named Challenge Cup Final MVP despite her side losing against St. Helens.

“A few years ago I never would have imagined that I would have the opportunity to play in rugby league for my country on such a grand occasion,” said Hornby, a student at the University. from Northumbria who also works part-time for Newcastle United football. crew. Foundation.

“I grew up playing a lot of rugby and football before deciding rugby league was the sport for me and I’ve never looked back.

“The profile of this Women’s World Cup is huge and I am hopeful that I can show girls, especially in the North East, that there are opportunities and pathways to success in this sport.”

England manager Craig Richards will feature the seven squad members who didn’t feature in the opening 72-4 win over Brazil, along with Hornby’s Leeds teammates Dannielle Anderson and Keara Bennett, St Helens, Beth Stott, Paige Travis and Carrie Roberts, and Wigan’s Georgia Wilson also took part in the tournament for the first time.

Rhinos teenager Fran Goldthorp will remain on the sidelines after an impressive display against the ‘Amazonas’, with current York Woman of Steel winner Tara-Jane Stanley remaining in the centre.

And Richards won’t take anything for granted against the Canadians, who surprised many with a solid first-half performance against Papua New Guinea last week before succumbing to a 34-12 loss.

“I was very impressed with the way Canada played in the first 20 minutes against PNG and we certainly hope they test us in a number of areas,” Richards said.

“We always said we were going to take a look at our whole squad in those first two games and Zoe’s debut is well deserved.

“She has come into the Super League quickly and is a player we have been following for some time. She has really established herself in the cast and we hope she plays an important role in this campaign.

Saturday’s game will help Richards further shape his squad for Thursday’s showdown with PNG Orchids at Headingley, which will likely determine the winners of Group A and with it the identities of their semi-final opponents.