Tony Smith has drafted in Hull winger Tom Briscoe to start for England (6/1 outright prices) on Friday in the Four Nations opener against France (50/1).

The talented teenager was not even recruited as part of the original 24-man party but will be given his chance because of an injury to Wigan star Sean O’Loughlin, who has a cracked bone in his thumb.

Briscoe, 19, will start on the wing against the French at the Keepmoat Stadium in Doncaster on Friday, while Huddersfield’s Scott Moore has been selected at hooker for the tournament opener

Leeds skipper Kevin Sinfield, who was left out of England’s final two matches at the World Cup, is recalled at loose forward, while his Rhinos team-mate Danny McGuire will partner Salford’s Richie Myler at half-back.

Wigan stand-off Sam Tomkins has been left out of the 17-man match-day squad despite his hat-trick trick in the 48-12 friendly win over Wales last weekend.

England team: Shaun Briscoe (Hull KR), Tom Briscoe (Hull), Lee Smith (Leeds), Michael Shenton (Castleford), Ryan Hall (Leeds), Danny McGuire (Leeds), Richie Myler (Salford), Adrian Morley (Warrington), Scott Moore (Huddersfield), Jamie Peacock (Leeds, capt), Gareth Ellis (Wests Tigers), Sam Burgess (Bradford), Kevin Sinfield (Leeds).

Replacements: Kyle Eastmond (St Helens), James Roby (St Helens), James Graham (St Helens), Ben Westwood (Warrington).

Australia are 1/4 favourites in Betfred’s outright prices to win the Four Nations, while world champions New Zealand are trading at 6/1.