The Race for England Rugby League Spots Heats Up

Super League Stars Aim to Impress Shaun Wane

The international rugby league calendar for 2023 may not be entirely clear yet, with no confirmed fixtures for England announced. However, several Super League players are staking their claim to be part of Shaun Wane’s plans for the national team.

It has been confirmed that a mid-season international against France will take place, and while there were initial doubts over any end-of-season games after Samoa pulled out of a proposed series, there is now hope that the series can be salvaged.

“Last year’s mid-season international saw Leeds Rhinos’ Ash Handley impress with a hat-trick against France, and his early-season Super League form suggests he will be firmly in Wane’s thoughts.”

Hull KR’s Mikey Lewis was handed his England debut in the end-of-season series against Tonga, and he seized the opportunity with a standout performance across the three matches.

Now, several uncapped players are poised to potentially break through and earn their first England call-ups if they maintain their impressive Super League form. These include Hull KR’s James Batchelor and Elliott Minchella, Wigan Warriors’ Liam Marshall, Warrington Wolves’ Josh Thewlis, and St Helens’ Matt Whitley.

The England set-up is in a period of transition, particularly in the forward pack, with captain George Williams and Jack Welsby the only two players considered surefire starters. This could open the door for these rising Super League stars to force their way into Shaun Wane’s plans for the upcoming international fixtures.

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