Leeds Rhinos playmaker Jake Connor has admitted to delight at the admission from new England coach Brian McDermott that the Man of Steel is in his plans.
Connor was seen my many as a shoo-in for last year’s Ashes squad given how well he had taken to life at Headingley, however, the Leeds Rhinos man was snubbed by then head coach Shaun Wane.
Explaining the decision, Wane claimed that the Man of Steel award wasn’t something that he paid attention to when picking a squad with plenty left questioning the snub.
Under a new coach, it seems that Connor’s England dreams have been reignited with Brian McDermott speaking to the media shortly after being unveiled as the man to lead England to this year’s World Cup.
Asked if Jake Connor was part of those plans, McDermott said: “Yeah, he is (in my plans), for sure. Absolutely,” before going on to describe previous treatment of Connor as ‘tremendously unfair’.
Connor focused on Leeds Rhinos despite England door opening ajar
Whether Connor read those comments or not, he did put in a Man of the Match performance on Friday night as Leeds Rhinos tore Catalans Dragons apart in what was yet another statement performance from the reigning Man of Steel.
As Man of the Match, he gave a short interview post-game to Sky Sports and was of course asked about Brian McDermott’s comments and his own England chances.
“It’s nice to hear obviously from anyone,” Connor admitted.
“We’ve got a long way to go this season and I’ve just got to keep playing how I’m playing and put my face in the picture.
“I’m focusing on Leeds at the moment and then whenever that may take me.”
Connor will be one of several halves in consideration for McDermott though recent news has cast major doubt over whether George Williams will be fit, with the Warrington Wolves and England captain set for surgery that could take anywhere from three to four months, or potentially even 12 months to recover from.
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