Leeds Rhinos back rower talks ‘confidence boost’ after England call-up and reveals Shaun Wane chat

Leeds Rhinos second rower, Morgan Gannon, has said that England boss Shaun Wane ‘had to call him twice’ when giving him the news about his international call up.

Wane announced a preliminary 32-man squad on Monday, with Gannon one of six players to be called up for the first time.  

He expressed his delight at being picked, with the selection coming as a real shock to him. 

“It’s really good,” said Gannon, speaking to BBC Radio Leeds. “It’s pretty unexpected with having last year off. I was just focusing on getting my form back for Leeds and the call from Shaun came out of the blue but I’m really grateful to be included in this squad.” 

The 21-year-old explained the moment he received the phone call, and how he nearly missed it altogether. 

He said: “I was at home, but I had my phone on do not disturb so I think he had to call me twice for it to come through… I took the call in the living room and then told my mum and dad.”

Gannon added: “He [Shaun Wane] liked how I’ve been playing this year. I was just thanking him for the opportunity and for noticing me. It was only a short phone call but a very memorable one at that.”

Leeds Rhinos man taking huge confidence boost from England call-up

There will be plenty of work that needs to be done for any player in order to be involved in the series, but the Siddal amateur says he is grateful for being noticed by the very best in the game. 

He said: “It’s a massive confidence boost knowing that not only your teammates and people around you at Leeds appreciate what you are doing but people from the outside looking in. It’s a good confidence boost but it’s also motivation to keep pushing and to keep getting better to earn that jersey at the end of the year.” 

Gannon is one of six Leeds Rhinos players to be selected for the initial squad, with second row partner James McDonnell another first-time callup. He mentioned that Wane had a meeting with the Rhinos contingent, and that the England boss set his objectives for them for the remainder of the year. 

“…he’s said everything he’s expecting and what he wants to see. He wants people to watch a game and be able to point out the England players, and you stand out with the effort and the attitude.”