England Secure 2-0 Series Whitewash Against Samoa at Headingley
England’s national rugby league team sealed a commanding 2-0 series whitewash over Samoa with a 34-16 victory at Headingley on Saturday. Head coach Shaun Wane was pleased with his side’s performance, as they maintained their unbeaten run since the last World Cup.
Wane praised the outstanding display of Herbie Farnworth, who was named Player of the Match, and highlighted the contributions of the England bench players, including Morgan Knowles, Mike McMeeken, and Luke Thompson, who provided valuable impact off the substitutes.
Despite conceding a few too many points for Wane’s liking, the England boss was impressed by the quality of the Samoan opposition, who he believes will pose a significant challenge at the upcoming Rugby League World Cup.
Debutant Junior Nsemba impressed Wane, who acknowledged the step up from Super League to the international stage, but was pleased with the young player’s effort and willingness to learn.
“We’re really pleased with the 2-0 series win. The lads put in a great shift, and I’m proud of the way they performed.”
- Shaun Wane, England Head Coach
Looking ahead to the 2025 Ashes series against Australia, Wane is confident that his side’s recent performances, including the 3-0 series win over Tonga last year, will provide a solid foundation for a successful campaign. The England coach is eager to secure the support of the Super League clubs to ensure the Ashes series receives the necessary attention and preparation.
While Wane is open to the possibility of a “War of the Roses” fixture between Yorkshire and Lancashire, he believes such a match would be more productive than a game against France, given the potential for a high-profile sponsorship and the opportunity to replicate the success of State of Origin in Australia.
The details of the mid-season plans are still being finalized, but Wane is determined to ensure his players are ready for the Ashes challenge, with a camp and a tough warm-up game likely to be part of the preparations.
Overall, Wane is pleased with the progress of his team and is looking forward to the opportunity to coach against Australia in the highly anticipated 2025 Ashes series.
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