Harry Newman in Shaun Wane’s thoughts for England selection

Shaun Wane says he sees Harry Newman as a future England international, but has warned he’d like to see the Leeds centre improve his on-field discipline.

Wane spoke to the media for the first time since signing his contract that extension that will see him lead his country as head coach until the 2025 World Cup in France.

The England boss walked about about a number of potential debutants who could feature against France in April, including Leeds’ strike centre Newman.

When asked about Newman, Wane replied: “I like him, I rate him and I see him as a future England player.

“He’ll have a chance (of playing against France). I like him, he’s a good player and I like Ash Handley, I like Kruise (Leeming) and many players from Leeds.

“Leeds have many good players but there are things they need to improve on, same as Harry.

“I’m that old now that my personality is that I’m never going to say a player is a great player! I even thought Sean O’Loughlin at his best could improve and that’s our mentality and that’s the same with players I’ve just mentioned.”

Wane has sent a warning to Newman though regarding the centre’s on-field discipline, having been sent to the sin bin in last weekend’s 32-22 win over Catalans.

“That will have to stop – the end,” Wane added.

“I love the fact he’s very passionate. He’s a really good talented athlete who I rate very highly but he needs to find that right side of the edge of going too far. I’m sure he’s aware of that and I’m sure his coach will be as well.”

Shaun Wane on “good” start to the Super League season

Wane believes it has been a good start to the 2023 Super League campaign, with plenty of young English players on show in the early rounds.

He said: “I’ve spent many a night in the early hours of the morning with my staff going through the young potential thats coming through.

“Super League is brimming with good young players and I don’t want to single anyone out.

“We’re in a good place but I’ll never sit back in Super League, them players need to get better and improve. Over the next few weeks I’m seeing every coach and CEO of every Super League club and I’ve started that already.

“I’ve informed them already of the players I have in mind and asking them their opinion of what they think of their potential of coming through to play for England. That’s going to make our competition stronger.”

England to blood youth ahead of 2025

Wane says he will give opportunities to younger players to showcase their talent on the international stage in the run up to the 2025 World Cup in France.

England face France in a mid-season test in Warrington on April 29. The Rugby Football League are also confident of hosting Tonga in a three-match test series this autumn, although it has yet to be confirmed.

Wane says he will use the next couple of years to give some younger players a chance to shine.

He said: “It’ll be a young squad and it will be be very different and it will be very much with 2025 in mind.

“It won’t be a clear out because I picked some players over 30 in the World Cup and they did a fantastic job, so I need their experience.

“I don’t want to start afresh with a lot of young players so them more senior players will have a big influence on the squad moving forward.

“I’m very comfortable picking players at 25, 26, 27 and 28, so I’m looking at players around 22 or 23 now. Anybody who is playing well will be looked at and will genuinely have a chance as we looked at last year. It’s going to be the same this time.”

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