Under-fire Warrington players selected on merit, says Andrew Henderson

The selection of seven struggling Warrington players for the England-All Stars game has been defended with the Wolves backed to “get it right” under Daryl Powell.

The team’s failure to adapt under their new coaching staff has led to a run of five straight Super League defeats, with fans arguing with players after their recent home loss to Leeds.

Yet despite their lowly form, the Wolves have five players in a 20-man England squad with Peter Mata’utia and Daryl Clark set to play for the All Stars – rules permit only six to play in total.

Andrew Henderson is the assistant coach of the All Stars. He left Warrington at the end of last season to make way for Powell’s new coaching team.

“The reason why there are so many Warrington players involved across both nations is because they are talented players,” Henderson told Love Rugby League.

“What that suggests to me is that the coaches obviously see the value of those players in their talent and ability.

“They have not been performing as a team for whatever reason, I don’t know the answers as to why that is, that is a question for the coaching team at Warrington. It is disappointing as a former employee of the club, I want to see the club do well and build from where we were. So it is tough to watch and see that but I’m sure Daryl Powell and his team will turn it around and get it right.”

PODCAST: Andrew Henderson on the Combined Nations All Stars & international rugby league

Andrew Henderson expecting a big display from Peter Mata’utia

Henderson was speaking on this week’s Love Rugby League Podcast and has revealed Mata’utia will play a starring role for the Combined Nations after his man-of-the-match display last year.

He refused to confirmed what role Clark could play, as he bids to stake his claim for an England World Cup place.

As first revealed by Love Rugby League, Shaun Wane’s preferred two hookers for the World Cup are the returning Michael McIlorum, and James Roby – if Wane can tempt Super League’s record-breaking appearance maker out of international retirement. 

Love Rugby League understands that England’s coaching staff are very confident Roby will return to line-up with McIlorum in that World Cup squad.

And Henderson hopes Clark and Mata’utia take their chance to shine against the ask Stars.

He said: “I’m really excited to see Peter Mata’utia and Daryl Clark. I worked with a Peter last year in the Combined Nations and he was outstanding and got man of the match.

“Daryl I have seen grow and develop as a player and I’m really excited to see him step up this week and I’ve got every confidence that he will perform and deliver for us if selected.”

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