Wane Advises Nicholson to Remain in Super League
On June 13th, England head coach Shaun Wane offered a surprising recommendation to Warrington Wolves’ star forward Matty Nicholson, who is reportedly set to join the NRL at the end of the current season. While the NRL is widely regarded as the apex of rugby league, Wane encouraged Nicholson to remain in Super League and capture trophies with Warrington, drawing parallels to George Williams’ successful stint at Wigan Warriors prior to his own NRL move.
“I’d encourage him to stay with Warrington and win stuff with Warrington like George did with Wigan.”
Wane emphasized the importance of achieving domestic success before exploring opportunities overseas, stating that this approach is crucial for Nicholson’s development. He noted:
“I think that’s quite important for Matty, he’s a good player, no doubt about that, but staying with your club you’ve signed for and winning stuff and then once that’s boxed off you can start looking at the NRL.”
Wane also praised the recent performances of fellow English exports Morgan Smithies and Kai Pearce-Paul, who have made successful transitions to the NRL with Canberra Raiders and Newcastle Knights, respectively. The national team coach expressed confidence in their abilities, stating:
“They’re both doing great. I’m really pleased for them, they’re both good players. I knew they’d go well and they’ve not surprised me, to be honest. I knew they’d kill it over there.”
As Wane prepares the England squad for their upcoming international fixtures against Samoa and France, he remains focused on developing the nation’s young talent, with Nicholson being one such promising prospect. The head coach’s advice to the Warrington forward suggests a balanced approach to player development, prioritizing domestic success before considering the lure of the NRL.
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