Rugby League Ashes: England coach Shaun Wane’s big calls for Australia Test

Wane’s biggest challenge was finding a way to strike the right balance between the Super League and NRL players he had available, while considering what personnel and positional changes to implement.

The 61-year-old has repeatedly mentioned players with international credits in the bank since the 2022 World Cup and series victories over Tonga and Samoa in the last two years.

inside facing significant criticism, external Wane came out in a staunch defense of Jack Welsby, particularly from Kangaroo legend Laurie Daley, earlier this week, suggesting he expects him to “come back strong” from an extraordinary display in London.

But the all-round St Helens star has been overlooked, meaning AJ Brimson, who switched his international squad from Australia to England in May, will feature at full-back.

The inclusion of the 27-year-old, whose mother is from south London and has two brothers born in Chertsey, was discussed at Wane’s press conference immediately after the first Test.

While Australia managed to score several key long-range breaks and significant attacking metres, thanks largely to the contributions of Reece Walsh, England failed to make any real progress in their kick returns.

Brimson’s pace and support play, as well as his experience of playing against Australia’s stars for the Gold Coast Titans and Queensland, are an obvious attraction and it is hoped it will add a new dimension to England’s attack.

“The way AJ trains and what he brings to the team is phenomenal. I’m excited to see him,” added Wane, who has been accused of favoring Super League players in Australia’s premier competition.

“The people in the room know what our players can do. The NRL people don’t know yet and that makes me sad.

“If we try against them on Saturday and attack and defend as physically as possible, which we didn’t do last weekend, I’ll feel better.

“We got beat in a test match. We got beat badly. That’s part of being a coach, I’ve lived it.” [criticism] all my life. It doesn’t bother me one bit.”