England head coach Shaun Wane has been buoyed by the recent standard of performance from his train-on squad during the latter stages of the domestic season.
Wane pulled no punches about the standards he expects if players are to be considered for selection in the upcoming ABK Beer Rugby League Ashes Test Series this Autumn, but admitted more players were showing glimpses of form worthy of wearing the England jersey.
““I feel a lot better,” acknowledged Wane.
“The performances of the players have been a lot closer to an England standard. I’ve let the players know that – they all understand where they’re at, but we can be better. But what I’ve seen over the last few weeks has been satisfying.
“They need to stand out. There are certain things they need to do that are of an England standard. This test series against Australia is going to be very difficult to Tonga and Samoa. There’s different challenges and we’re aware of them. I just need a more consistent performance and lots of good things for long periods.”
The England train-on squad has attended semi-regular meet ups this year.
The meetings have given Wane a chance to outline what he expects from players on a week to week basis and gives the players an opportunity to spend valuable time with each other and the coaching staff.
“The players have been superb. They’re very vocal in the meetings and they’ve gone home hopefully a step closer to beating Australia.”
If England are to beat Australia in the Ashes, they will need their best players on deck. Injuries to players such as Matty Ashton, Jack Welsby and Herbie Farnworth left England fans – and Wane – wondering whether they would be fit for the Ashes.
Although Matty Ashton’s year looks to be over after a devastating knee injury, Farnworth is nearing return and Welsby has defied the odds to overcome his injury with weeks to spare.
“He’s [Welsby] very important. I thought he went really well on his return. He’s a competitive player and he’s even competitive with his rehab.
“To get back so early has been really impressive and he’s always going to be an asset to us. I love having him in meetings – what he contributes to the group is superb. I’m really made up for him.
“Herbie’s very positive. He’s a fit lad, he’ll look after his rehab and he’ll be back in no time. He’ll be very strong when he plays.
“Matty [Ashton] has a lot of credits from me. He’s done a lot of good things in many, many games for England. The lads love having him around. If there’s a chance he can be fit, I want to keep him involved.
“He always speaks up in meetings and he’ll always be in my squad. I love him to pieces and I think it’s very wrong for people to question him being in our squad. There’s private reasons why he’s in – and that’s the reason why Matty’s so important to us.
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