Daryl Clark: It’s England or nothing at World Cup
Warrington hooker Daryl Clark says England is the main focus for this year’s World Cup, despite qualifying to represent Scotland.
Clark, 29, was named in a Scotland squad in 2011, but didn’t to make an appearance as he committed his allegiance to England.
He appeared for England Knights the following year before earning his first senior cap against Australia in the 2014 Four Nations.
The former Man of Steel winner failed to make Shaun Wane’s squad in England’s only mid-season international earlier this year. Instead, he featured in Ellery Hanley’s Combined Nations All Stars side, named at starting hooker in the 18-4 defeat at the Halliwell Jones Stadium.
With three games left of the regular Super League season, Clark says he will be doing all he can to impress boss Wane to put himself forward for this year’s World Cup.
He told Love Rugby League: “We’ve had some meetings and it’s the same message across the board and what he expects from everyone; working hard, minimal errors, effort areas and stuff like that and detail in play.
“He’s made it clear to the players what he’s expecting. Hopefully I can get that right in the next few weeks and give myself a chance.
“It’s something there. But with the way we’ve (Warrington) been going, I haven’t been thinking about it too much.
“I’ve been trying to concentrate on playing well for Warrington. I feel I’ve done that in spells, but for my own standards that I’ve set myself over the last 10 or 12 years, I’ve been off consistently. I’ve had glimpses in games, but I’ve not been as consistent as I’d like.
“Hopefully I can finish the last three games quite strong and put my name in the hat.”
England the only focus for Daryl Clark
Despite qualifying for Scotland, Clark says England is his only goal for this year’s tournament.
“My name has been thrown about with Scotland, but it’ll be England or a good rest for me,” he added.
“Personally, my priority is England. My plan is to represent England or give myself a good rest for a strong 2023 season with Warrington.”
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