England boss Shaun Wane wants Exiles clash and World Cup warm-up

Drew Darbyshire
England coach Shaun Wane

England coach Shaun Wane

England coach Shaun Wane says their mid-season clash with the Exiles is still on and that he wants a warm-up game before the World Cup.

The Super League season was scheduled to start on March 11 but clubs will meet on Friday to discuss a potential delay to the campaign.

England’s game against the Exiles is due to take place on the weekend of June 26-27, and Wane is confident that the game will go ahead.

“Where we are at is that it is still on,” Wane said. “Nothing’s changed.

“I know there is talk about the season being put back but that doesn’t alter that weekend.

“As far as I’m concerned the Exiles game is still on and I’ve not been told anything different.

“From my point of view, that game is very important to me and my preparation for the World Cup.”

Wane wants his side to have a warm-up game a week or two before their World Cup opener against Samoa at St James’ Park in Newcastle on October 23.

“When I was in clubland I liked playing a game around 10 days before the start of Super League and I’m trying to do the same here,” the former Wigan coach added.

“We are going to get a game around 10 days before our first game against Samoa – that’s what the plan is.

“There’s a chance with Fiji but nothing has been set in stone yet.”

Listen to The Final Hooter podcast, featuring exclusive interviews, every week. SUBSCRIBE to Love Rugby League on Apple Podcasts.