Shaun Wane confirms England have strategy for ‘Captain’s Challenge’ rule in the World Cup

England head coach Shaun Wane says he and his players have spoken in-depth about how they will utilise the captain’s challenge rule in the Rugby League World Cup.

The system was first brought into the NRL in 2020 and has been a success over in Australia, with each team able to contest a referee’s decision at a stoppage in play via a review by the video referee.

It will be used in the World Cup for the first time from Saturday’s opening game, as each team is allowed one unsuccessful challenge per match.

For Super League players, it will be a new experience with the captain’s challenge yet to find its way into the domestic rule book on these shores.

Many of those in the England team will therefore have to adapt, and Wane confirmed in his pre-match press conference that he and his players have spoken about the rule.

“I have shown the players some detail and printed out areas of where we can challenge and where we can’t,” said Wane. “We’ve had a good discussion and we want to make sure nothing goes wrong going into this game.

“We have to make sure that we are switched on and doing the right thing. We don’t want a shock on Saturday and to get penalised for anything.”

One of those in the England team that does have experience with the rule is Elliott Whitehead. The former Bradford Bulls and Catalans Dragons back-rower is the captain of NRL outfit Canberra Raiders.

Whitehead has to deal first hand with the rule each game, with the final decision on whether to challenge falling at his first as the captain.

“I think it’s good but I lose more than I win,” Whitehead said in the press conference. “If you get the opportunity to get a decision right it’s always helpful for your team.

“Most of the time I get it wrong because I listen to too many props. We have made a rule this morning that no props can challenge,” Whitehead joked.