Shaun Wane gives major hint on England’s spine selection for second Rugby League Ashes Test as Jack Welsby, AJ Brimson and Harry Smith discussed

There is no other way of saying it. England have to win at Everton on Saturday or their chances of an Ashes series win will be over. In what is do or die circumstances for head coach Shaun Wane, he has dropped a big clue as to what his team will look like this weekend, and there are multiple changes.

Having named his 19-player squad earlier this week, we know that Jack Welsby, John Bateman and Ethan Havard will miss out, whilst Harry Smith, Morgan Smithies and Kallum Watkins all enter the side.

We will have to wait until game day to see Wane’s 17, however this week he has dropped some major hints on his potential selection choices.

Speaking to BBC Radio Merseyside to preview the game, which will be played at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, Wane spoke on key spine players Welsby, AJ Brimson, Smith and others, as he gave an insight into his thinking ahead of the second Test.

Starting with Welsby, who had an underwhelming afternoon at Wembley, the former Wigan Warriors boss said that whilst the St Helens man had performed well for him in the past, changes needed to be made and the team needs to be put first if England are to get anything from the series.

He said: “I’m a big Jack Welsby fan. I think he’s a fantastic player. I’ve always picked him. But, I felt in my heart that it was the right thing to do.”

His absence will mean that NRL man Brimson will earn his England debut, something which Wane is looking forward to seeing.

He said: “The way AJ has trained and what he brings to the team has been outstanding so I’m excited to see him [play].”

“…He’s got speed, great skill. Jack’s got great skill, but it’s just a gut feeling from a head coach. I have to make them calls and I think it’s the right time for us this week to have a fresh face.”

Asked if it was a case of Brimson’s strong efforts in training as opposed to Welsby’s poor performance, he replied:

“He weren’t at his best, Jack. He will be the first person to admit that. His standards are very high and he dipped below them standards, but he’s never done that for me. He’s an outstanding athlete, but that’s my call and I think we’re better with AJ.

Shaun Wane drops huge half-back hint ahead of second Rugby League Ashes Test

Elsewhere, the inclusion of half-back Smith suggests there will be a switch in that position, too.

Wane revealed that bringing the Wigan number seven in will add control and game management, something that was severely lacking in the first Test.

“[With Smith] We’ll have a bit more focus and a bit more direction on how we finish and where we start our defensive sets, which we didn’t have control of at Wembley. Hopefully this Saturday’s a bit different.” said Wane.

It is thought that it will be George Williams pairing him as the starting halves with Mikey Lewis utilised from the bench.

On that call, the boss said that the Hull KR’s versatility is something they can exploit when he enters the fray later on in the game.

“Mikey’s a great player, got a great kick on him, and he performed great in the Grand Final. He gives us cover from the bench, as well, so that’s another position he can play at.

“He’s good at nine, he’s good at six and seven and one, so we’re just trying to look for a really balanced 17.”

Having already confirmed this week that Jez Litten would start, it means that Daryl Clark will miss out, despite scoring England’s only try of the game last weekend.

Serious About Rugby League has launched a brand new podcast which can be watched in full on our YouTube channel here.