Shaun Wane reveals huge frustration

This week is all about Shaun Wane’s England side as they take on France in the first step towards the 2025 World Cup.

But the next step is arguably more crucial with a series planned against Tonga but not yet confirmed leading to huge frustration from Shaun Wane.

He said on BBC Five Live: “I’d like to know, I’d like them to confirm so we know where we’re going 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.”

Wane also revealed if he knew whether there is a timescale for Tonga to commit to the series as he said: “I’ve not. I know we’re very close, I just hope it will be confirmed in the next week or so.”

Wane will only have 26 players to choose from this week despite picking a squad of 40 with reports that 14 players had withdrawn from the squad yesterday which will lead to a number of debuts especially in the middle with the likes of Leeds Rhinos’ Tom Holroyd and Salford Red Devils’ Tyler Dupree set to play.