England boss Shaun Wane keen to get legendary duo on backroom staff

James Graham and Sam Burgess could have hand to play in England’s World Cup hopes, with coach Shaun Wane keen to get them on his coaching staff.

Wane has spoken to the former England captains about a coaching role ahead of this year’s World Cup.

St Helens legend Graham, who is England’s most-capped player, retired at the end of the 2020 season. Burgess captained his country in the 2017 World Cup final was forced into retirement in 2019 due to injury.

Speaking at Wigan’s media day, Wane said: “I’ve not made any decisions yet but, if we can get somebody of the calibre of Sam and James when it comes to the World Cup, it will be of great benefit to us,” said Wane at Wigan’s pre-season media day.

“Both are very keen but it depends on what works for us and what works for them. I won’t do it unless it helps us win the World Cup.

“They are good leaders but the fundamental thing is they’ve never won a World Cup, they’ve won everything else.

“You’ve got two legends who have never won it so it is a massive motivating factor for us.”

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Shaun Wane says England will face Combined Nations All Stars again in 2022

England will face the Combined Nations All Stars again on the weekend of June 18. England were beaten by the Super League-based team of all nationalities 26-24 in Warrington last year.

Wane said: “It’s basically going to be similar to last year. I thought that was a success.

“Fair play to the Super League teams, some of the signings are very strong and the players who played in that game have another year more experience in Super League so they’re going to be very strong but we’ll be stronger too.

“From the few days in the lead-up to the France game (last October), they will have gained more of an understanding of what I want, they will have benefitted from that.”

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