‘Disgraceful’ Tonga inspired us, says Wane
Ruck jibes irritate hosts as England clinch series By
SHAUN WANE labelled Tonga ‘disgraceful’ after England clinched a series win over the Pacific Islanders courtesy of Matty Ashton’s first Test match tries.
Warrington Wolves winger Ashton showcased his finishing skills with a clinical first-half double which laid the platform for victory in Huddersfield.
It followed success for Wane’s men in last Sunday’s opener at St Helens and another win at Headingley next Saturday would complete a Test series whitewash.
Yet rather than bask in the glory of another brutal, bruising win against a Tonga side packed with NRL-based players, England coach Wane was almost beside himself afterwards.
Tonga counterpart Kristian Woolf had questioned the speed of the ruck and how the first Test was officiated by the English officials.
Wane took exception to the former St Helens boss’ comments and additional Tongan complaints about the pitch at St Helens. Wane said after England’s win: ‘I’m really, really proud because I was absolutely desperate to win that game.
‘Some of the things that have been said this week about my players, my team and my mates really upset me. Some of it was disgraceful and that was a massive motivator for us.
‘Tonga wanted a firmer ground, they had every excuse about the ruck and our referees cheating. To prove them wrong by a firm pitch, with a really slow ruck — they couldn’t have everything their own way again — after they showed a lot of disrespect was really pleasing. I’d be interested to see what their next excuse is.’
Wane used an old-school motivational technique by plastering Tonga’s comments on walls within the England camp.
He said: ‘There has been posters all the over dressing room, so this was the easiest day ever.
‘The lads were angry with all their comments and we spoke about them all week. We want to finish the job at Headingley now.’
Woolf, who won three Super League titles with Saints between 2020 and 2023, had no issue with Wane’s comments. He said: ‘Good on them if they did [put posters up] — there are no dramas there at all.
‘We spoke to the referees through the week and the question was “do we need to get off quicker or does England need to stay on longer?”
‘We were told we need to stay on longer and I thought we adjusted a lot better. This series isn’t over yet.’
England ran out worthy victors after Ashton finished off a neat move, which culminated in him taking Harry Newman’s pass and diving over in the right corner.
Ashton then displayed his predatory instincts again by pouncing on Mikey Lewis’ clever grubber kick to make it 12-0 at the break. It was a sweet moment for Ashton, a late developer who made his name in the second-tier Championship with Swinton before being signed by Warrington in 2020.
He said: ‘I’m absolutely buzzing and living the dream — it’s been a rollercoaster ride. That’s what I’m there to do and I could have had a couple more but made a few errors.
‘I’m over the moon because Tonga are probably the biggest players I’ve come up against. I’m proud of myself.’