Taylor understands England omissions
Scott Taylor says he feels for his Hull FC teammates who missed out on England selection but understands the reasons behind it.
Taylor is set to debut for England against France on Saturday.
The likes of Hull FC pair Danny Houghton and Jamie Shaul were overlooked for England for the Four Nations.
Taylor said he was surprised they missed out and has backed them to push for selection again next year.
“Like anyone, I was surprised at first,” he told Love Rugby League.
“But then 10 minutes later you find out the squad and it’s such an unbelievable 24 that a lot of players had to miss out.
“Everyone in this 24-man squad deserves a shot and are there on merit. It’s tough for them but I know those three will come back stronger.
“As a Hull FC fan you’ll be biased and think your own players should be in and there are other players and clubs that are unlucky not to be in.
“They’re close mates of mine, but you have to look at it from the outside view and they’re arguably the right decisions.”
England have a new coach in Wayne Bennett and a new captain in Sam Burgess.
England have never won the Four Nations, but Taylor believes that has to the outright goal.
“It’s the first time I’ve been picked in the squad but, if you look at it, we’ve got people like myself and Luke Gale who might have the chance to play for the first time and top senior players in James Graham and Sam Burgess,” Taylor said.
“We’ve got a real good balance and it’s exciting times. We’ve got a chance this year to go and make a mark.
“I think nothing but winning it would be acceptable for us.
“Wayne’s arguably the best coach in the world for what he’s done throughout his career.
“He has that aura about him and whenever he goes into a room everyone knows he’s there.
“He might come across one way to the media but for the boys he’s just one of the lads. He says the right things and he knows how we work – he’s just a pleasure to be around.
“He’s very honest and I’ve only spent four days with him but what he’s brought to the group and how he’s made us into a team already is unbelievable.
“To get the chance to spend another five weeks with him can only make me better as a person and player.”