Former England Academy captain Adam Milner has given his support to the Class of 2011 as they prepare to take on the Australian Institute of Sport at Leigh Sports Village on Sunday December 4 (3.00pm)

The Castleford Tigers hooker led the Academy to a 2-0 series win over the Australian Schoolboys in 2010, their first series win over the Schoolboys since 2004, and he believes the current squad can build on that result against the AIS this weekend.

“Playing in the Academy last year was a brilliant experience and one of the best moments of my career so far,” said Milner. “Winning was great but to win in the style we did was even better because it’s not often you get the chance to take on the Aussies.

“I wish the lads all the best and I’m sure they’ll give a great account of themselves. You can see there’s a lot of focus on youth talent at the RFL and there are certainly some very talented players coming through the system and no doubt I’ll come up against a few of them in Super League next season.

“The most important thing for the players on Sunday is to enjoy the experience. It’s easy to get caught up in the emotions but in these sort of games you need to keep calm, stick to the game-plan and stay focused. But I’d urge the players to enjoy the game and make the most of the opportunity.”

Since playing a pivotal role in the success of the Academy last season, Milner has gone on to become a first team regular at the PROBIZ Coliseum and the young hooker is quick to cite his experiences against Australia as a key factor in helping his development.

“The experience of going up against the Australians was a huge boost and proved to be a great stepping stone for Super League,” said Milner. “That series gave everyone involved some valuable experience at an intense level where you needed to be alert for the full 80 minutes and that prepares you well for Super League.

“The set-up I was part of last year was very good and the training we received was second to none so it bodes well for the emerging talent coming through.

“I loved every minute of the camp and working with Dave Elliott was also a valuable experience. He lets us play on the pitch but he taught us all a lot of important lessons in camp and he really helped me bring my game on and I’m sure he’ll do the same with the current team.”

Tickets for the England Academy v AIS fixture at Leigh Sports Village on Sunday, December 4 (3.00pm) cost just £3 and can be purchased by visiting Leigh Sports Village http://goo.gl/fxTeK Fans can also pay on the day.

England Academy Under-17 Squad (professional and community clubs in brackets):
Ben Currie (Warrington Wolves, Golbourne Parkside)
Connor Farrell (Wigan Warriors, Wigan St Pats)
Connor Spencer (Bradford Bulls, Hunslet Warriors)
Danny Yates (St Helens, Waterhead)
Dom Speakman (St Helens, Widnes St Maries)
George Williams (Wigan Warriors, Ince Rose Bridge)
Greg Richards (St Helens, Ulverston)
Greg Wilde (St Helens, Golbourne Parkside)
Jack Cockerham (Bradford Bulls, Castleford Lock Lane)
Jack Owens (Widnes Vikings, Farnsworth Hornets)
James Cunningham (Hull FC, East Hull)
James Duckworth (Leeds Rhinos, Whinmoor)
James Saltonstall (Warrington Wolves, Siddal)
John Bateman (Bradford Bulls, Dudley Hill)
Jordan Baldwinson (Leeds Rhinos, Hunslet Warriors)
Liam McAvoy (Bradford Bulls, Broughton Red Rose)
Luke Briscoe (Leeds Rhinos, Featherstone Lions)
Mark Percival (St Helens, Halton Hornets)
Mike Learmonth (Warrington Wolves, Hunslet Warriors)
Sam Doherty (Wakefield Trinity Wildcats, Hunslet Warriors)
Stevie Ward (Leeds Rhinos, Hunslet Warriors)

Australian Institute of Sport squad:
Addo Waianga
Ajuma Adams
Aleki  Falepaini
Andrew  Saunders
Bosam McDonald
Brady Williams
Brandon  KLee
Brendan Elliot
Brody Rigg
Chris Smith
Corey Jensen
Daniel Clarke
Doug Hewitt
Dylan  Cartwright
Euan Aitken
Hayden Hansen
Jack Creighton
Jaden  Clarke
Jarrod  Watson
Joshua Northam
Kodi Nikorima
Logan Harris
Rhett Webster
Thorne  Johnson
Tom McLellan
Trae Clark