Ash planning to learn from his GB Test snub
ASH Handley admits he expected to play in the final match of the Great Britain Lions tour and will use the snub as extra motivation to win his first England cap in 2020.
The Leeds winger answered an SOS from the Great Britain management after injuries hit the Lions squad, leaving head coach Wayne Bennett without a specialist centre and with only one recognised winger for the last two matches.
After a 24-hour flight, Handley linked up with the rest of the players in Brisbane in time for their onward journey to Port Moresby for the last Test against Papua New Guinea but was then left out of Bennett’s 21-man squad as the coach opted to stick with stand-off Blake Austin as a makeshift winger.
“Obviously I was happy with the call-up and excited to go over there and join the boys,” said 23-year-old Handley.
“I fully expected to be playing but obviously it wasn’t meant to be. He said he fancied going with Blake because he’d had a half-decent start the week before.
“Obviously I wanted to be playing and make an impact but I didn’t let it worry me too much. It was something not in my control. I had to forget about it and support the boys.
“I was in the same situation as a few other guys - Jake Trueman was there for all the tour and didn’t get a game. But it’s made me a bit more motivated. I’ve got my name in the mix now.
“I know it was only a brief role but I showed my commitment to the boys and I was part of the experience.”