Masterclass puts Hull KR star in frame for England recall

Drew Darbyshire
Jordan Abdull Hull KR SWpix

Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix

A kicking masterclass from Jordan Abdull has done no harm in putting the Hull KR half-back in Shaun Wane’s thoughts for a potential England recall.

The 27-year-old produced a man of the match display to help the Robins beat Leeds 20-12 at Craven Park on Friday night.

It was a near-perfect performance from Abdull with the boot, terrorising the Rhinos defence all evening in wet and windy conditions.

England coach Shaun Wane spoke to the media earlier in the week, insisting that his squad will be picked on merit in the run up to the 2025 World Cup in France.

Abdull has a solitary England cap to his name, which came against France in Perpignan at the back end of 2021.

When asked by Sky Sports if he’d like to be back in the England squad for their test against France in April, Abdull replied: “You are probably asking the wrong person to be honest. I’ve pretty much missed the last three games.

“I played 10 minutes against Catalans then missed the Warrington and Wakefield games so my focus now is just playing consistently week in, week out.

“I showed in the first three rounds that I mean it this year and I want to get in the first form that I can and I carried it on tonight, but it’s about just playing consistently and if anything comes off the back of it, then happy days.”

It was a modest response from the Hull-born playmaker, who is second in the Man of Steel leaderboard despite missing three games.

Hull KR boss backing Jordan Abdull for England

Speaking after their win over Leeds, Hull KR coach Willie Peters was full of praise for his talismanic half-back.

When asked if he’d like to see Abdull back in an England shirt, Peters told Sky Sports: “He has played there before and he wants to play there again, so I’ll always back my players and support them.

“Jordan’s played extremely well, he’s put his hand up and he’s leading the Man of Steel but he’ll say it himself that he needs to be consistent with his performances week in, week out.

“He’s had some issues with his body over the last year but he has got his head and body right and is playing great footy so I’m sure Shaun Wane’s taking that (into account).”

Leeds boss Rohan Smith praised Abdull’s kicking game after the full-time hooter.

He said: “He’s great at it. We had some kick pressure going his way but he is an exceptional kicker.

“With the rain coming in sideways and the wind going, it was tough to be at the back today. A few bounces went their way and that’s footy sometimes.”

Next week is a big week for Abdull, who will lead his Hull KR side against his former club Hull FC in the Good Friday derby.

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