Podcast: England prospects, knockout dangers & future of international RL

Josh McAllister 02 Nov 2022 1:29 PM

We’re back for a World Cup podcast special, with host George Riley discussing all the latest with editor James Gordon and deputy editor Drew Darbyshire, as well as previewing the men’s quarter-finals, including England.

The men’s tournament heads into the quarter-finals this weekend, with Shaun Wane’s side set to take on Papua New Guinea in Wigan on Saturday.

Australia and Lebanon kick-off the quarter-finals action on Friday in Huddersfield. Meanwhile, New Zealand face Fiji in Hull on Saturday evening. Samoa will come head-to-head with Tonga in Warrington on Sunday.

Dissecting Shaun Wane’s England selection headache

England head coach Wane will have a selection dilemma ahead of his side’s quarter-final clash against Papua New Guinea. The 58-year-old has stated that he welcomes the headache, and is “close” to knowing his strongest 17.

The trio discuss Wane’s options on the wing with Ryan Hall, Dom Young and Tommy Makinson fighting it out for the two available spots.

“He leaves out Ryan Hall, unfortunately,” believes host Riley. “It is a dilemma because he’s got three world-class wingers. But he’s going to leave out the old boy. Tommy Makinson plays and Dom Young is the leading scorer in the competition, so he’s in. I think that’s just unlucky for Ryan Hall.”

Darbyshire added: “It’s been the Dom Young show so far this World Cup. He’s been electric to watch. Dom is the type of player who should sell tickets alone. He’s a box office type player. People get off their seats when he has the ball in his hands.

“I’d go with Makinson and Young, but having Ryan Hall as an option to fill in isn’t a bad one, is it?”

Who would you select? Let us know in the comments below.

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Dissecting Shaun Wane’s England selection headache

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