‘Honest Shaun Wane says seven dropped players are still in frame

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.”

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.

“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.”

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.

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“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.”

Chance to impress: England coach Shaun Wane says there is still chance for Castleford's Liam Watts to make the World Cup squad. Picture: Jonathan GawthorpeChance to impress: England coach Shaun Wane says there is still chance for Castleford's Liam Watts to make the World Cup squad. Picture: Jonathan Gawthorpe
Chance to impress: England coach Shaun Wane says there is still chance for Castleford's Liam Watts to make the World Cup squad. Picture: Jonathan Gawthorpe

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