Leeds Rhinos forward on focusing on the one-percenters to make the England Ashes squad

Leeds Rhinos forward James McDonnell is filled with pride following his call-up to Shaun Wane’s England train-on squad.

McDonnell is one of six Rhinos players included, alongside Harry Newman, Ash Handley, Mikolaj Oledzki, Morgan Gannon and Tom Holroyd.

Speaking to BBC West Yorkshire Sport, McDonnell shared what Wane has said to him about how he wants him to play and what improvements he needs to make to his game.

Talking about the call-up, he said: “It’s just a proud moment. You come in here and meet all the boys and the lads who are new to the squad.

“It’s great company to be in, some of the best players in Super League, so it’s good to be included in that company.

“Basically, one day, it just popped up Shaun Wane on the blower, and you don’t ignore that man! He just called me, said pretty clear as day, pretty plainly as he always speaks!”

Leeds Rhinos forward on what Shaun Wane wants from him to make the final Ashes squad

McDonnell also shared what he’s discussed with Shaun Wane, with regards to how he wants him to improve on the pitch over the next few months.

He added: “There’s nothing guaranteed, and there’s an enormous amount of talent in the room, and those still to come over from Australia, those boys over there are doing really well.

“For me to be in the squad, I need to focus on the little one-percenters and stay in touch with Shaun, playing the way he wants me to play.

“To be on the radar and to have Shaun say that you’re in the mould of an England player is, and you’re doing things that he obviously likes, is a good feeling.

“In a team like the England squad, those effort areas are what your team’s performances are built on.

“To be recognised by Shaun for those areas is what I pride my game on, and he wants me to step it up to another level to be an international.”

Has the Leeds Rhinos forward thought about pulling on that England jersey and walking out at Wembley Stadium representing his country?: “Of course you think about it. As soon as you get the phone call, you’re thinking about how good of an occasion it’ll be.