Dropped England players backed to return by coach Shaun Wane

England head coach Shaun Wane expects all seven of his dropped players to return in this World Cup year insisting: “I don’t tell lies. They trust me.”
Wakefield Trinity's Reece Lyne and Castleford Tigers' Liam Watts. Pictures: SWpix.com.Wakefield Trinity's Reece Lyne and Castleford Tigers' Liam Watts. Pictures: SWpix.com.
Wakefield Trinity's Reece Lyne and Castleford Tigers' Liam Watts. Pictures: SWpix.com.

Castleford Tigers’ Liam Watts, Hull FC’s Scott Taylor and Wakefield Trinity’s Reece Lyne were culled in November with Warrington’s Chris Hill and Jack Hughes who both won Great Britain caps in 2019.

“I spoke to them all on Zoom,” said Wane, Huddersfield Giants’ new signing Josh Jones and Warrington winger Josh Charnley also missing out.

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“But they were fantastic, brilliant and agreed with what I said. I was very, very honest and I have a belief that players want to know where they stand, and that you tell everybody everything.

Picture by Paul Currie/SWpix.com - 03/02/2020 - Rugby League - England Rugby League Announcement - University of Bolton Stadium, Bolton, England - Shaun Wane England Rugby League mens head coach during then press conference with Ralph RimmerPicture by Paul Currie/SWpix.com - 03/02/2020 - Rugby League - England Rugby League Announcement - University of Bolton Stadium, Bolton, England - Shaun Wane England Rugby League mens head coach during then press conference with Ralph Rimmer
Picture by Paul Currie/SWpix.com - 03/02/2020 - Rugby League - England Rugby League Announcement - University of Bolton Stadium, Bolton, England - Shaun Wane England Rugby League mens head coach during then press conference with Ralph Rimmer

“I did that and I expect to put those players back in the squad throughout the year.

“If Chris Hill and Jack Hughes are outstanding for Warrington, they’re back in.”

Watts admitted his performances weren’t up to standard as he aims to be more consistent in 2021.

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England face Samoa in their World Cup opener at Newcastle on October 23 and Wane maintained: “Whoever’s killing it towards the back end this year, they will start for me at Newcastle and I’ve stressed that to every single player.

“It doesn’t matter to me whether you’ve two Tests or 200 Tests – if I believe you can win me that Test match, you will play. I don’t tell lies; the players trust me and that’s what will happen.”