Shaun Wane talks Jack Welsby, Mikey Lewis and England Quality

England Manager Shaun Wane spoke very highly of many aspects of his squad following their opening test victory over Tonga.

Wane’s side made hard work of the opener at times, but edged a tightly contested affair at the Totally Wicked Stadium, running out 22-18 winners.

Tries from Toby King, Mikey Lewis and a Tom Johnstone double were the difference with Wane knowing there’s more to come from his side.

Speaking post match Wane said: “It was really good. Not perfect, but it was positive given we’ve only trained together twice. We have a young halfback partnership but we’ve won a test match so I’m happy.

“They’re a strong team with plenty of NRL players like ourselves so their big athletes. I know we can improve massively, we did good things but we need to sustain it for long periods.

“There was spells in the second half when we went set-to-set and we need to do that more.”

With Mikey Lewis sat by his side, Wane was positive about the debutant who was named man of the match, whilst also keeping the Hull KR man’s feet on the ground.

He added: “He was good, but he can do a lot better. There’s no doubt in my mind he can do better and I’m sure he won’t mind me saying it – well I’m not bothered if he is! I know he’s a lot more talented and he did really well today against a big, athletic team.

“He’s always been a running threat and as soon as I committed to him, he’s conducted himself brilliantly. He’s a credit to Hull KR and what they’re doing as a club. As soon as the decision was made (George Williams’ suspension), Mikey did all the video work and yeah, impressive.”

Wane was also full of praise for full back and temporary captain Jack Welsby who led the nation for the first time following the ban for George Williams.

Wane continued: “Brilliant, competitive. They jammed a few times but we’ll fix that and Jack’s just been speaking to me on how to fix that which is Jack all over really that he’s already planning for next week.

“He’s a real skilful player. I don’t think he’s been coached, Jack, he’s just like a throwback to the 80’s! He does things now like he did at school. He’s an outstanding talent who I loved coaching him at the World Cup last year and it’s been a joy again this time around.”

Wane finally spoke about his expectations ahead of the next test which comes in just under a weeks time in Huddersfield.

Wane finished: “I’ve just said in the dressing room that Tonga will improve so we need to as well. It’ll be a much tougher game next Saturday, they have a lot of really good players who won’t like losing just like I wouldn’t like losing that game.

“There’ll be changes next week, no question.”

All in all, a solid start for England and with the next two tests in Yorkshire, Shaun Wane is set to learn a lot about his current crop as the majority of the opposing Tonga side will just be getting warmed up after most have gone six or seven weeks without playing any Rugby League.

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