Ian Watson backs Chris McQueen for England
Chris McQueen in action for Huddersfield | Photo: John Rushworth/SWpix
Huddersfield boss Ian Watson has thrown his support behind back-rower Chris McQueen to represent England at this year’s World Cup.
McQueen, 35, has won one cap for England, making his debut in 2017 in the test against Samoa under Wayne Bennett.
He hasn’t represented the nation since, qualifying through his dad, who was born in London.
The in-form back-rower recently put his hand up for England, adding that Victor Radley’s recent announcement has given him hope to once again pull on the jersey.
Watson has since backed McQueen, who is the leading forward try-scorer in the Super League competition with 15.
Watson backs Chris McQueen for England
“I think when players are in form and career form as well, you pick them if they’re available for internationals,” Watson told Love Rugby League.
“There’s not been many back-rowers who have been better than him this year.
“I think Chris McQueen mentioned it in an interview saying that Shaun Wane has resisted playing the Australian-English players.
“Shaun is in charge and it’s up to him. But for me, you want your best possible team out there when it’s coming to a World Cup.
“You’re playing the top level players and you need the best players in this competition who are English playing against those players to stand a chance of winning the World Cup.
“That’s what we want to do, that’s what England want to do at the end of the year; they want to win the World Cup. The publicity that would put on our competition and probably the sponsorship it would potentially bring in would be immense.
“Chris has told everybody now in the press that he wants to play, so it’s now up to Shaun to pick him. He’s put his hand up and said he’s available.
“Victor Radley put his hand up and said he’s available. If you’re available, you’re available and in for selection and it’s up to the coaches to pick you. He’s played once before when Wayne was there and he sees it as a big honour.”
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