Joe Burgess and Harry Newman look set to start for England against Australia on Saturday afternoon and Shaun Wane believes they could make an impact.
The pair are the only two players in the England squad who haven’t picked up minutes over the course of the Ashes series so far with Wane opting for alternative players in the first two Tests. However, the injuries Dom Young and Jake Wardle have sustained have opened the door for Burgess and Newman to come into the fold.
It means that Hull KR’s Burgess will start on the wing at Headingley on Saturday afternoon with Leeds Rhinos’ Newman looks likely to play on his inside shoulder in a move that allows Herbie Farnworth to play on his preferred left edge.
England find themselves 2-0 down in the Ashes series, ensuring in the grand scheme of things this weekend’s Test is a dead rubber. However, England will be going all out to prevent Australia from claiming the 3-0 whitewash series victory.
And, Wane believes that both Burgess and Newman are deserving of the chance they’re set to be given this weekend.
England boss Shaun Wane on Joe Burgess and Harry Newman
“Liam Marshall is a good player but we need aerial threats, you look at their wingers and how athletic they are, we need aerial threats and that’s what Budgie has got,” Wane said. “His yardage carries, he’s a good finisher but his aerial threat is something to be reckoned with and that’s why I’m excited to see him play.
“He’s got a new lease of life at Hull KR, they’ve done a great job with him and I know Budgie, he’s won me World Club Challenges and he’s a fantastic, fantastic player.
“I’m so happy that I can give him a start and everybody in our squad has played, that did mean something to me.
On Newman’s opportunity, Wane added: “I’m so glad and especially at Headingley as well. He’s a great kid.
“I can’t tell you how tough it is to come into a camp and not play. To turn up and train and lift the lads every time you train is hard. It is really hard. He’s been fantastic. He’s a credit to Leeds and I was really chuffed that I can give him a start this week.”
