Rugby League Fans Eagerly Await England’s Clash with Samoa
As England prepare to face Samoa at the end of the 2023 season, head coach Shaun Wane has outlined the three players who will present him with a selection dilemma. Fans have long anticipated the much-discussed series against the 2021 World Cup finalists, which was officially confirmed earlier this week. The fixtures will take place on the final weekend of October and the first weekend of November, just two and three weeks after the Grand Final at Old Trafford.
Despite being a brief two-game series, rugby league enthusiasts are eager to see which of their club’s stars will earn a call-up. Wane has now revealed that the half-back position is set to be the most hotly contested, with a potential shootout between Harry Smith and Mikey Lewis to partner captain George Williams.
“There’s no doubt about that,” he told The Sportsman. “Harry and Mikey have acquitted themselves unbelievably well, not just in terms of playing, but also the time spent together as a group.”
The Wigan playmaker appeared alongside Williams for the first two 2023 Tests against Tonga, while Smith then combined with the Warrington star in the final fixture. This suggests Smith may have the edge, but Wane is clearly spoilt for choice.
Creating a cohesive team culture can be challenging given the limited international calendar, but Wane has emphasized the importance of enjoyment and national pride.
“I want the players to enjoy it,” he explained. “Playing for England has to be an enjoyable pleasure. We’re all proud Englishmen, and that spirit was evident after we won the third Test 3-0.”
With the eagerly anticipated fixtures against France and Samoa on the horizon, rugby league fans will be keen to see if their club’s stars can force their way into Wane’s plans and cement their place in the national team setup.
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