I’LL SHINE FOR SHAUN
All Star Clark out to press England claims
DARYL CLARK knows why he’s been axed from England – but aims to get back in by shining against them.
The Warrington hooker has been dropped by boss Shaun Wane for this Saturday’s Combined Nations All Stars contest.
But the ex-Man of Steel, who has Scottish grandparents, lines up for All Stars instead after Ellery Hanley’s SOS.
Clark has been out of sorts in a nosediving Wolves side that has lost five successive matches.
He said: “My form’s not been too great, so I wasn’t too surprised about not being in.
“There’s a long time until the World Cup (in October). Hopefully, if I can turn my form around, I’ll be back in the picture at the back end of the season.
“That’s on me and is something I’ll have to turn around. I spoke to Shaun Wane on Monday and I wasn’t in his plans for this week, so Ellery gave me the opportunity to play internationally and show what I can do.
“My end goal is to make the World Cup squad, so this is another opportunity to push for that.”
Clark admitted it’s a “bit different” preparing to face his Test colleagues at Warrington’s Halliwell Jones Stadium.
But it’s been done before. Jake Connor starred for the Combined Nations last year after being overlooked by Wane as did Kruise Leeming, the Leeds hooker who is in the same boat again this week.
When St Helens legend James Roby retired from international duty and Canberra’s Josh Hodgson suffered a season-ending injury in March, Clark must have felt nailed on for a World Cup spot.
But Wane has stuck with Castleford’s Paul McShane this weekend and also recalled Catalans’ Michael McIlorum after a nineyear absence from England.
Clark added: “It was a surprise because he wasn’t in the squad originally. But it wasn’t a surprise given his form. Catalans have been playing well the last couple of years and he’s been a big part of that.
“Micky’s playing some good stuff but it’s not good for me – it’s another nine fighting for that same position!
“It’s unfortunate for me there’s so many good nines knocking about for England.
“But competition means I’ve got to be at the top of my game if I want to be involved. I accept it with open arms.”