Shaun Wane says England star “can do better”

England picked up the win in the opening Test Match against Tonga as Leeds Rhinos and Hull KR stars made their debuts for their country.

Harry Newman started at centre but the star of the show was Man of the Match Mikey Lewis.

The stand off carved through the Tongan defence to set up the opening try of the game for Toby King before crossing for England’s second.

After the game, Head Coach Shaun Wane had his say on Lewis’ display on debut and made no apologies for saying he can do better:

“Good. Can do a lot better, no question in my mind about that.

“I know he won’t mind me saying that and I’m not bothered if he minds or not, but I know he’s a lot more talented.

“He did really well today, first game against a big athletic team, I’m fairly happy.

“Yeah, I know he can play, he’s always been a running threat and once I committed to him, that’s it. He’s conducted himself so well, he’s a credit to Hull KR, what they’ve done as a club.

“I thought to come in there and sing that song with our team, as an Englishman, there’s no one prouder than these two.”

Lewis was given his opportunity by the suspension of England skipper George Williams.

On this, Wane added: “Yeah as soon as that decision (suspension) was made, it was all about Mikey and Harry and it’s really really simple to me. We commit to him and he goes to all our video meetings and he talks and gives his opinion just like George would. That was a real pleasing thing for me it’s fitting in really well, he’s a good lad.”

Lewis himself had his say on his debut:

“The last thing that Shaun said to me was that when you get a middle around the corner, back yourself. And that’s all I did. I just got the ball off Daryl and I just stepped off right foot and the gap was there and I just accelerated and backed myself. I was unfortunate not to get over the line.

“It’s a really good debut for me but like Shaun said there’s a long way and lot more improvement in my performances tonight.”