Super League must be better insists Wane
ENGLAND head coach Shaun Wane is demanding a rise in the standard of Betfred Super League in a World Cup year.
Wane is bidding to guide the nation to glory in the rearranged tournament on home soil.
And while topping Australia and New Zealand will take some doing, Wane believes greater intensity in the domestic game can increase his side’s prospects.
“The standard was great last year and finished off with a great Grand Final, but it has to get better,” said Wane, who will combine his England post with the role of leadership and management director at Wigan Warriors.
“If I was still coaching at Super League level, I would want more intense games, less penalties and more set-for-set to prepare us for international rugby.
“And that’s what we got last year, but I’m never satisfied.
“I always want a bit better, a bit more, and every Super League head coach will want the same. A better quality game, more consistent, and more of them - that’s going to help the international game.”
Wane will continue to work closely with his players remotely and in person where possible as next year’s tournament creeps into focus.
The England boss, by his own admission, has ‘neglected’ his NRL stars due to the restrictions caused by Covid.
“We do Zooms with the players, one-on-one, and I watch all the NRL games,” said Wane.
“I’m going to go over when the games start and things open up properly, and spend some time with them because they have been neglected.
“The players over here get a lot of information, as do the players in the NRL but not in as much detail.
“It’s my job to make sure they are up to speed and are ready to hit the ground running when they arrive in this country so they know what I’m about and what the England system is about.”