We have seen a brilliant Super League season with stars of Wigan Warriors, Warrington Wolves, Leigh Leopards, Hull KR and others standing out and earning selection into Shaun Wane’s England squad.
Wane is preparing for the 2026 World Cup with a test series against Tonga.
That preparation will continue into 2024 with a series against Samoa as Shaun Wane confirmed at the Rugby League Awards.
Wane has recently spoken on the changes from the World Cup, notably new captain George Williams and coaching addition Lee Briers, explaining to the Sportsman Youtube channel why Warrington’s playmaker was the obvious choice for the armband,
“Yeah, it was easy. George is a lad I’ve known since we were 14 and now he’s like late 20s now. So he’s a quality player, really works hard on his game.
“He’s a great captain, speaks really well, which he’s not always done. But the way he grips the team now is so admirable. I rate him so highly, he’s going to do a great job as captain.”
Williams though will miss the first two games against Tonga after a controversial ban.
Current Brisbane Broncos assistant Lee Briers is a new change for this series, something Wane believes will be of huge benefit.
“Yeah, he’ll bring a lot Lee,” Wane explained to the Sportsman Youtube Channel.
“I know him from when he coached at Wigan, I know him from when he played at Warrington and coached there as well, so he’s going to bring a lot, he’s got experience with the NRL and all the overseas players we’ve got going to play, so he’s going to bring a lot, no question about that, he’s a really, really smart coach.”
Briers will arrive in the country following his Broncos side run in the playoffs, potentially with centre Herbie Farnworth.
It is highly likely he will be back in the UK again to take on Tonga.
