Written by Oliver Kellner-Dunk
Since making the final at the 2017 Rugby League World Cup England has seen a dip in form as the nation starts to endure a generational change in talent available for selection.
Multiple star players from the Three Lions squad for the World Cup nearly five years ago have since gone on to retire or are no longer playing at the same level.
This has led to head coach Shaun Wane being tasked with rebuilding England’s squad and it seems he intends to go about doing so in an unexpected way.
Not only will Wane be selecting players from a large talent pool in Super League and the NRL’s English contingent but the 57-year-old will also be looking to poach young Australian players that are currently eligible to play for England.
Wane is currently in Australia to monitor the progress of NRL players who are available to be selected by the Three Lions and Fox Sports is reporting that he is set to meet with Roosters lock Victor Radley and try to convince him to represent England at the World Cup.
The Australian Associated Press recently spoke to Wane about the possibility of Radley playing for England.
“If there’s someone who has English heritage who is absolutely outstanding in their position then I’m open to selecting them as well,” said Wane.
🏆 Go into the weekend with the same energy as the New Zealand men's team winning RLWC2008!
Which team would you like to see celebrating at Old Trafford this November after the men's final?#RLWC2021 | @NZRL_Kiwis pic.twitter.com/KKyVttWmTo
— Rugby League World Cup 2021 (@RLWC2021) May 21, 2022
“He (Radley) is a great player, there’s no doubt about that.
“I’ve got some really strong players in that position and if he wants to make himself available then it comes down to me making a judgement.”
Radley is eligible to represent England as his Father Nigel was born in Sheffield.
Wane also recently spoke to The Daily Telegraph about another Sydney Rooster that is available to play for England in Sam Walker who can play for the Three Lions as he was born in Yorkshire.
“My eyes are always open and keeping tabs on everything,” Wane said.
“He (Walker) is a good player.”
During his interview with The Daily Telegraph Wane also revealed that he is looking to meet with Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs general manager Phil Gould which has sparked some speculation that he may be a contender to coach the Bulldogs in 2022.
However, Wane has stated that he is only looking to meet with Gould to gain knowledge from a coach’s perspective.
Be the first to comment on this article