Though Shaun Wane’s focus is firmly on Greece this weekend as England look to maintain their 100% record in the World Cup group stage in Sheffield, the former Wigan Warriors boss has given a hint on his approach to the knockout stages.
Wane has already confirmed that Sam Tomkins will be rested for the game against Greece with Jack Welsby at fullback and George Williams captaining the side from halfback alongside Marc Sneyd.
Kai Pearce-Paul will also make his test debut for England.
However, beyond this week, Wane has revealed he will be “ruthless” when it comes to selecting his side: “If we do make it to the important rounds, I will be ruthless.
“I have some really talented players making their test debuts, and the team I have selected for Saturday is very strong.”
He did explain that he felt it was the “right thing to do” to make sure everyone gets a game during the tournament: “I want everybody fit and ready to contribute to a win. It’s vital that everyone plays and it’s the right thing to do.”
However, he feels that this benefits him and his side as it ensures he will have a full squad ready to play in the knockout stages: “If it gets to a knockout game, quarters or a semi, I want to make a choice from all 24 players, I don’t want to rule anyone out.”
Should Wane’s side win against Greece as expected and results elsewhere go as predicted, England will meet Papua New Guinea in Wigan in the quarter-finals.
