MAC’S EYEING SHOCK CALL-UP
Cas ace targets World Cup
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PAUL McSHANE has done plenty of hard yards in his five-club Super League career – without a sniff of international recognition.
But Castleford’s unsung hooker is emerging as a shock contender for Wayne Bennett’s England World Cup squad.
Such a scenario would have been unthinkable before the start of the year, with England blessed with outstanding No.9s.
NRL-based ex-Hull KR favourite Josh Hodgson is currently the man in possession of the shirt.
Dispute
But with Cas at the top of Super League, McShane is just one of Daryl Powell’s squad pressing claims to tour Down Under in October.
Few would dispute the ex-Leeds prospect has made more of an impact than other contenders, including Daryl Clark, Danny Houghton and James Roby.
If he does step up in class, McShane, 27, is ready to thank Tigers boss Powell.
“Daryl had a chat about where I want to be if I want to push for internationals,” said McShane ahead of today’s trip to secondbottom Leigh.
“He has confidence in me and I want to repay him. If I can make the World Cup, I would love it.
“Hopefully my performances can get me there. I just have to keep working hard.
“Daryl told me at the end of last year, ‘I think there is another 40 or 50 per cent we can get out of your performances’.
“Hearing that from a coach like him gives you confidence.”
McShane spent loan spells at Hull FC and Widnes while on Leeds’ books. He signed for Wakefield after leaving Headingley before joining Cas in 2015. He added: “I had to go and find my way in the game and learn what sort of player I was.
“Now I have matured and that’s down to Daryl’s faith in me.”
And McShane happily backs his coach for a similar position with England or the future reinstated Great Britain squad.
“It probably sounds a bit cringey, but he is good at everything,” he said. “He is passionate about rugby. And Cas, England or Great Britain, he would put his all into it.” RANGI CHASE makes his home debut today for bottomof-the-table Widnes against Leeds Rhinos.