HOOK, LINE AND THINKER

Deciding between the big three (and a couple of good outsiders) for the World Cup will be a welcome headache for England coach Wane

IT IS the most keenly-contested position in Shaun Wane’s World Cup squad.

Vying for England’s hooking spot this autumn are a Super League legend, an NRL captain and the current Steve Prescott Man of Steel.

Evergreen James Roby of St Helens, Canberra’s organiser-inchief Josh Hodgson and Castleford schemer PaulMcShane (above) all have credentials for the starting No.9 shirt.

And that is before you get to two of Super League’s most consistent performers in Daryl Clark and Sam Powell.

Wane has Roby (right, top), Hodgson (right, bottom), McShane and Clark in his training squad but has stressed that form is key and has already shown he is not afraid to leave out established names.

Warrington’s Clark and McShane go up against each other in round one of Super

League and the latter revealed that the hooking rivals have been sharing tips under Wane’s policy of regular squad communication.

McShane explained: “We’ve had a fair few chats and we have Zoom calls as hookers to discuss things.

“Shaun’s set his standards out and told us exactly what to expect if you want to play for England – you need to be at the top of your game.

“There’s a fair few that could get in there so there’s plenty of competition.

“Roby just doesn’t seem to be slowing down – it’s mad what he gets through week-in, week-out so consistently, it’s crazy. “There’s Daz (Clark), and some who aren’t in the squad at the moment like Sam Powell at Wigan, he’s a great player who is reliable and tough. “The World Cup is something that’s definitely in my goals for this year. My main focus is playing well for Cas and achieving something with them, and hopefully my performances will take care of my place in the squad.” For Roby, selection would mean an unprecedented fourth World Cup

But the Saints veteran knows better than to take anything for granted. “I will be doing everything

I can to get in that squad,” said the 35-year-old. There is a lot of competition for places at hooker

“All the lads in the training squad thoroughly deserve to be there.

“Then there are a few on the outskirts as well, knocking on the door, so we all know we are all going to have to be at our best.

“But that is what you want – competition for places so you have to prove yourself every game.

“I realise I’m coming towards the end of my career so I want to try and take in everything I can because I know I won’t be around for much longer.

“This will definitely be my last chance to represent my country and it’s something I’m really aiming for this year.”

‘Shaun’s told us what to expect if you want to play for England...be at the top of your game’