WARRINGTON Girls under 16s rugby league star Emily Rudge is in Australia with the England women's team contesting the World Cup.

Rudge, the youngest member of the England team, was not selected in today's 72-0 win against Russia at Stockland Park, Kawana, on Australia’s Sunshine Coast.

She will be hoping to get her chance in one of the forthcoming games against France on Saturday or Australia on Monday.

A hat trick from Joanne Watmore helped England, whose assistant coach is Warrington's Vinny Webb, kick off their World Cup campaign in style against Russia.

The Halton Women and Girls centre was outstanding in the clash, as was 19-year-old prop forward Amanda Donaldson from Copeland Wildcats in Cumbria who chipped in with two tries.

Brenda Dobek, England’s head coach, said: "I am pleased with the performance.

"However, there is still a lot of work to be done as we move through the tournament.

“Concentrating on the positives is important and a good platform has been laid for the squad to build from."