Man of Steel Paul McShane sets goal of playing for England in World Cup

Castleford hooker Paul McShane is aiming to make England’s World Cup squad by having another big year with the Tigers.

The 31-year-old enjoyed a stellar 2020 campaign with Castleford as he was named the Steve Prescott Man of Steel winner.

McShane has revealed that the World Cup is in the back of his mind going into this season, but for now he is focused on having a strong year in clubland.

He said: “Its in the goals for this year but my main focus is playing well with Cas and achieving something with Cas, so hopefully my performances for Cas will take my place in the squad.

“There are plenty of good nines out there and there are good nines in the squad at the minute so the thing for me is just being consistent with club performances and seeing where that takes me.”

McShane, who has yet to make his international debut, was included in England coach Shaun Wane’s latest performance squad that was named in November alongside fellow hookers Daryl Clark, James Roby and Josh Hodgson.

McShane added: “He (Wane) has set his standards out and thats what you expect. If you are to play for England, then you need to be at the top of your game.

“There are a fair few who can get in there so there is plenty of competition.”

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