Shaun Wane named an experimental England side but there was still a big call made by the former Wigan Warriors coach in the halves.
He had a choice between two of the brightest young stars in Super League to go alongside Warrington Wolves star and England skipper George Williams.
It was a choice between the electric Hull KR halfback Mikey Lewis and Wigan’s young star Harry Smith.
In the end, Wane went for Smith but after the game he explained how tough it was leaving Lewis out and winger Josh Thewlis.
He said:
“Having that conversation with him and Josh wasn’t easy. Normally I find it quite easy but that wasn’t.
“The way they have trained and handled themselves they have been impeccable and they are a credit to their clubs.
“I am so impressed. The way they have got behind the other players despite the disappointment has impressed me even more.
“They have really put their hands up.”
He then went on to say Lewis had to fix a few things up to get his first England call up:
“Yeah, if they keep going the way they are going and Mikey fixes up what he needs to fix he will certainly get a chance.”
