Sam Burgess is earning more shouts to be the head coach to lead England into the 2026 Rugby League World Cup, with a former NRL star arguing that the national team are “not that far off” but that a coaching change is necessary.
Shaun Wane has come under heavy pressure following the 3-0 loss to Australia in the Ashes with England scoring just two tries and only 18 points across the three matches.
Selection and playstyle are two key aspects that have been questioned though it’s thought that the England players are in support of Wane and they’re set to play a key role in whether he keeps his job ahead of next year’s World Cup.
Wane is contracted to lead England into that but a review of the Ashes is set to take place with RFL chief Nigel Wood confirming that it will take place over the next “two to three months”, with input from the playing and coaching group.
Whilst that internal review goes on, the outside noise surrounding England continues and one of those voices is former NRL and Super League man Willie Mason, who attended the Ashes and has spoken out on his Levels Podcast.
Is Sam Burgess the “perfect” Shaun Wane replacement?
Mason, who had a famously short stint with Hull KR, but is perhaps better known for his clashes when playing against Great Britain, has argued that the playing group England have is “not that far off”, but he’s called for Sam Burgess to be made head coach.
One man who came out with plenty of raps, despite being dropped for the second Test, was Harry Smith, as Mason said: “I didn’t think their halves were that bad. Harry Smith was alright, he gets you to places but he’s not going to break the game open but he kicks good.
“A good comp(arison) is Adam Reynolds and Adam Reynolds is a gun so then you need a running five-eight and George Williams is a running five-eight.
“I think they might need a coaching change if anything.”
Another player that Mason wants to see more of is Junior Nsemba, whose selection snub has been questioned by former NRL star Matty Johns.
Looking ahead to the World Cup, Mason said:”Nsemba needs to really arrive, I think he had a second-year syndrome but he should have been in that team. I’ve seen enough of him and he can do a lot of damage against Australia. They need a genuine left-edge back-rower.
“They’re not that far off, Herbie is the best centre in the game but full-back they need to sort out. Is it going to be AJ (Brimson), is it going to be (Jack) Welsby?
“It depends what they do with the coach because he’s going to be under the pump massively.”
Co-host Justin Horo, who played for Wakefield Trinity and Catalans Dragons, labelled Sam Burgess as the “obvious” option for England, with Mason in full agreement.
He responded: “You’d play for him right? He’s a Super League coach now, he only retired what, three of four years ago so he’s still current and still relevant.
“They love him, they love playing for him. Someone like him would be perfect.”
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