England boss Shaun Wane tells omitted stars to play their way into his squad
SHAUN Wane has told players left out of the England squad to show their talents for longer.
Jake Connor and Gareth Widdop are the two headline omissions from the national boss’ latest party, which will finally work with him on the field.
Marc Sneyd, Jake Trueman and Jake Bibby have also not been selected despite fine early season showings.
But Wane, who made no changes from his group named in November, insists the door is not closed ahead of June’s match against the Combined Nations All Stars.
If they play well enough for long enough, they will be in.
Wane said: “Jake Connor and Gareth have been good in the opening two rounds. Jake Trueman’s been impressive.
“But we’re still two games in and it’s very early days yet. I don’t know what people expect but for me to make changes after two games in crazy.
“However, I expect there to be lots of changes by the World Cup in October.
“I don’t want to cheapen the England brand but I’d like to make changes as and when, keeping it as close as a club selection is.
“If someone’s performing for six or seven games and impressing me and someone’s not performing, I’ll make changes. If Ryan Hall’s our best winger – no question, he’s in.
“The message is simple. If you want to play in the World Cup, perform.”
Wane, who added Sydney Roosters’ Victor Radley and Sam Walker – who was born in Leeds when father Ben played for the Rhinos – could come into contention, admits he has spoken to props Liam Watts and Chris Hill.
April 13 sees him actually meet and work with players face-to-face and will pass on what he wants from them, even those currently injured.
“It’s getting on the field and coaching them, that’s what I’m missing,” Wane added. “Going through things that are important to me and England.
“I’ve been through many hours of footage with the players and we’ve used our time wisely but nothing beats going out on the field and physically showing them.
“And leaving out injured players didn’t feel fair to me. I remember Harry Newman’s form before his injury, so I felt it was the right thing to leave him in.”
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