Worrying injuries for Leeds and Wigan men as Shaun Wane praises Castleford star

Injuries are part and parcel of rugby league, but in 2021, the trouble seems to have gone up a notch.

As England went down 26-24 to the Combined Nations All Stars, both John Bateman and Ash Handley went off during the game, with the former on crutches at the end.

“John has rolled his ankle, we will scan him tomorrow and have more of an idea in the morning,” Shaun Wane said.

“He’s a tough guy is John so for him to come off I knew it was quite serious.

“Ash came off with a HIA on his debut, so I’m gutted for him but I’m sure he will get his chance some time soon.”

Wane’s side may have lost, but the former Wigan boss was happy with the performance.

“There were loads of positives, lots of things what we were working on came off and we got through the adversity of losing John and Ash.

“We could have played smarter and if we had we could have won the game, but they were the best team and we will learn lots from that.

“We wanted to win, I want to win every single thing I’m involved in – there were a lot of opportunities that we didn’t take but we will be better for it.

“I am the worst loser in the world, but the toughness in being there at he end was a great effort.”

Wane did have some high praise for Paul McShane and Reece Lyne in particular.

“I thought Paul was really good, and Reece Lyne played well too.

“Macca (McShane) trained well this week and I really enjoyed training with them all.”