St George’s Day chat as England coaches get together

He was announced as one of national coach Shaun Wane’s new assistants last week and spent yesterday morning with the staff on a webinar.

“I didn’t know if he did it by chance – or he planned to do it on St George’s Day!” said Last.

“But it was great and really, really beneficial. We had a get together for the performance staff – myself, Paul Wellens, Paul Sculthorpe and Paul Anderson – plus England’s analyst, too.

“We were just talking about how we are going to monitor the players and looking at the overseas players plying their trade in the NRL, too.

“There was an open discussion on some thoughts on different ways of monitoring them along with what we look for in good and bad performances.

“Shaun led it and it was great. We had a good hour and it was a chance to get to know each other a little more on a deeper level than a coaching point of view.”

Last, 39, admits it remains surreal he is now in charge of Hull and also working for the national team. The long-time Airlie Birds assistant was put in temporary charge when Lee Radford was sacked last month.

However, Wane – appointed as England coach in February – had already been in touch with Radford and Hull owner Adam Pearson about bringing Last on board with England.

He said: “I was really humbled. I’ve a huge amount of respect for what Shaun’s done in the game and the fact the England coach sought out references about me from Radders and Adam, means a lot. It all happened so quick.

“I’m going to coach my hometown team who I’ve supported since a boy.

“However long that may last it’s fantastic. But to be part of the England set-up, the pinnacle of our game and what I was brought up on – Great Britain and England teams playing Australia – and opportunity to work with the best players in our game against the best in the world plus working with these coaches... it’s a really exciting opportunity.”