“He’s been a phenomenal player for a number of years.” Powell praises McShane ahead of International debut

Castleford hooker and current Man Of Steel Paul McShane is set to make his International debut on Friday night when England take on a Combined Nations All Stars. The Tigers head coach Daryl Powell has praised the 31-year-old ahead of the Tigers game with Catalans Dragons.

The Rugby League World Cup is just a few months away and England head coach Shaun Wane will be looking to put together a squad that can go all the way to the final at Old Trafford. A key player in that squad could be Paul McShane who has been one of the best number nine’s in Super League for the past few seasons but has never made an appearance for his national team.

After missing out in 2017 when England reached the World Cup final, McShane has been named in the squad for the game against the Combined Nations All Stars.

Daryl Powell Head Coach of the Castleford Tigers has praised McShane for the efforts he has put in over the last few seasons and knows that he must take the opportunity to push himself further.

“I’m absolutely delighted we spoke about it for a while since Paul has been at the club. I’ve worked with him to keep his mind on it if anything, he felt like it slipped away from him for a little bit, he just needed the coach that would believe in him to get into the international squad he’s got that now and he’s going to get a great opportunity.

“It’s down to Paul and I’m confident he’s going to take it. He’s been a phenomenal player for a number of years now and I couldn’t be any prouder of any player.”

Not only has McShane been a star on the pitch but he has also been a helping hand off the pitch and in the changing room. His Tigers teammate James Clare knows that the hooker deserves his shot and that he is an influence to everyone at the club, whether that be the youngsters coming through or the more senior players.

“We are incredibly proud, there’s been a lot of banter in the group and well wishes for McShane, not as many for Pete and Suaia who obviously are playing in the same game but it’s mostly towards Paul. We are proud of all three of them”.

“He’s a real leader for us on the field as a leader and the way he plays, and also a mentor off the field, with the things he does for the young lads, and even for the senior players, he’s a constant help for everybody. The kind of form he has been in for us, hopefully, he can show in an England jersey and do his country proud.”

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