England head coach Shaun Wane has promised fans that his England players will be ready for the visit of the Aussies when they host the return of the rugby league Ashes series at the end of the year.
Wane was in attendance for Wigan Warriors trip to Hull KR on Friday night and talked to Sky Sports before the match kicked off.
The England boss was eager to highlight a number of players fighting for spots in his England side, including both Rovers and Warriors players featuring that evening.
He stated that he’s in constant contact with the players to ensure that they keep pushing towards a spot in the Ashes squad.
Wane said:Â “I’m going to make sure that the players are prepared and that’s my job so we have monthly get-togethers, off-field sessions with the players.
“I can’t put into words the enthusiasm they all turn up with. It’s very obvious I mostly want to be part of the Ashes team.”
The England head coach then went on to discuss several players across the Wigan and Hull KR squads, including Warriors’ Liam Marshall and Rovers’ Tom Davies, who could be in contention.
Wane added:Â “They will, they’re both playing well but Joe Burgess is as well. We’ve got some real good talent and that’s what I want when it gets to August, September I want eight halves and eight wingers and so on for what I’m going to be picking from.”
Despite Mikey Lewis missing for Hull KR after picking up a groin injury in the Challenge Cup quarter-final win against Hull FC, Wane said he’s keen to continue working with him as well as Jez Litten.
The England boss added: “He seems a bit calmer and there’s things in his game that he needs to improve on which I’ve spoken about but he’s a great kid and very talented.
“When I’m watching Mikey and Jez Litten and all them sort of players, I’m just imagining them going up against Australia and that’s a different kettle of fish.
“Litten’s a great kid, he’s a great kicker and is good to have around camp. He’s well-behaved and his manner is great. He’s a very smart operator and he’s shown over the last few weeks.”
However, Wane’s main focus when picking his squad is to win the Ashes, as simple as that.
The England head coach added that he’s had great communication from all clubs so far, willing him and the international side to get one over on the Aussies.
He finished:Â “What it will do for our competition for us to win that Ashes series, it would be a huge shot in the arm.
“I’ve been to the owners’ meetings and all the CEOs and owners of every Super League club are absolutely so behind me on anything I want to do to make sure that team is prepared for when we play Australia in that first test.
“Then it’s up to me and I love that pressure. They’ll be ready, I promise you.”
Tickets for the Ashes go on general sale on Monday 14th April from 10am.
