Shaun Wane name drops exciting Super League youngster as he talks squad

Shaun Wane spoke for the first time since it was confirmed that he would be staying on as England coach for the 2025 Rugby League World Cup in France.

For Wane it is all about getting England ready to beat their rivals from the other side of the world which is why a series against Tonga is expected to be confirmed.

On this, Wane said to International RL: “As far as I’m aware it’s not set in stone, done, yet, but it more than likely will be happening and I’m looking forward to it.

“I’m confident that everyone like the RFL and IMG knows the importance of international rugby, and with that many people supporting it is going to get better and will improve.”

“If you look at Samoa and Tonga, they are bigger than us and that’s how I’m judging the players now – the size of the teams and the athletic look of the teams that are going to challenge us in 2025.

“Can they handle Samoa in the semi-final of a World Cup in France?”

As he asked this question, he name dropped one of Super League’s most exciting young stars in the shape of Mikey Lewis:

“I don’t look at Mikey Lewis playing against a Salford, a Wigan or a Saints, I’m thinking how will he go against Samoa in a semi-final when the pressure is on getting beat by one point and that’s the same for every player for what I’m looking at.”