Shaun Wane provides update on potential Tonga series

England take on France in their first step towards the 2025 World Cup.

However, perhaps the more important step is the test series at the end of the year which is set to be against Tonga.

However, it hasn’t been signed off on yet due in part to the CBA negotiations down under.

Shaun Wane has given an update on the series.

He said on BBC Five Live: “I’d like more internationals, we’ll whittle the squad down before the French test and then roll into the Tonga tests at the end of the year.

“Everything’s about the next World Cup in ’25 and I’ve picked a squad that I feel can do a really good job but also fire and improve and get better in time so they’re peaking in ’25.”

He then went on to underline his frustration: “I’d like to know, I’d like them to confirm so we know where we’re going. I’d also like to know who we’re playing next year and the year after so everyone has got time to organise tickets and get ready for the game. It is what it is though, there’s nothing we can do.

“I’m excited though with how young the squad is and I’m hoping everybody else, some of the talent in Super League is really impressive.”

This comes as rumours fly about the series including reports from Niche Sportz who are reporting that the three games are set to take place at Leeds Rhinos’ Headingley Stadium, Huddersfield Giants’ John Smith’s Stadium and St Helens’ Totally Wicked Stadium.

Serious About Rugby League has approached the RFL for comment.