Local stars chosen for England Academy

THREE local young rugby stars are in the England Academy training squad for the 2012 season.

Danny Yates, Josh Johnson and Ryan Maneely are among 39 talented youngsters chosen by England youth coach Dave Elliott. Maneely’s inclusion in the squad caps a great year for the hooker.

A member of the all-conquering Saddleworth Rangers under-16s side, he penned a professional deal at Warrington Wolves in October.

Scrum-half Yates who, like Johnson, played for Waterhead as a junior, is learning his trade at the St Helens academy. Johnson, from Diggle, recently signed three-year pro forms at Huddersfield Giants. The second row started playing rugby league at Saddleworth Rangers, before moving to Peach Road.

He joined the Giants as a teenager and has gone to play for the under-18s and under-20s.

Yates and Johnson are in a squad of 21 gearing up Sunday’s match against the Australian Institute of Sport at Leigh Sports Village.

Elliott is hoping the fixture will provide the squad with further momentum to take into 2012.

He guided the side to victory over their French counterparts, and with the Academy to embark upon a tour of Australia, 2012 promises to be a big year for English Rugby League.