Shaun Wane ‘confident’ in Wigan Warriors pair after injury blow forces change

Shaun Wane is ‘confident’ with those he has had to call on after an injury has forced him into a change for his England squad, meaning two Wigan Warriors men earn call-ups.

An injury to Dom Young has seen the NRL winger drop out whilst Tom Burgess is the unlucky man to be replaced by Luke Thompson following his absence in the first Test.

Thompson had been banned for the game but Wane commented earlier in the week that the Wigan Warriors prop would ‘definitely’ play on Saturday at Headingley.

Joining him, and making his England debut, will be Wigan Warriors teammate Liam Marshall with Super League’s top try scorer a very handy replacement for NRL star Young on the wing.

They are the only two changes that Wane has made from last week’s 19-man squad, however, neither Junior Nsemba nor Ben Currie got on the field last week after being cut and named 18th man respectively.

That means there is potential for up to four changes but it’s almost certain that two will be made given the pair of Wigan Warriors call-ups.

Wigan Warriors pair join England squad for second Test

Shaun Wane has now spoken on the decision to make changes, arguing that forced changes underline why squad depth is so important and it’s clear that he is happy with his squad depth as he confirmed he is ‘confident’ that Thompson and Marshall will do the job.

In a statement confirming the team news, Wane said: “I’ve had to make a few changes to my 19 following on from last weekend’s victory and that is why having a strong squad is so important. I’m confident with the lads I have had to bring in.”

After defeating Samoa 34-18 in the first Test at Wigan Warriors’ Brick Community Stadium, Wane has now turned his attention to wrapping up the 2-0 series victory at Headingley, just as England would do against Tonga in 2023.

“Our goal was always to win this series 2-0 and we have put ourselves in the position to achieve that on Saturday. We know Samoa will be better – but so will we.

“We’re all looking forward to getting back to Headingley, where we had great support when we completed a 3-0 series win against Tonga last year.”

The 19-man squad in full can be seen below.

– Matty Ashton
– John Bateman
– Daryl Clark
– Ben Currie
– Herbie Farnworth
– Ethan Havard
– Morgan Knowles
– Matty Lees
– Mikey Lewis
– Liam Marshall
– Mike McMeeken
– Harry Newman
– Junior Nsemba
– Kai Pearce-Paul
– Victor Radley
– Harry Smith
– Luke Thompson
– Jack Welsby
– George Williams