Shaun Wane hoping Combined Nations All Stars concept here to stay

England head coach Shaun Wane says he is hoping the Combined Nations All Stars fixture will continue beyond this year’s World Cup.

The clash will take place again in 2022 as part of England’s preparations for the tournament later this year.

Rugby league legend Ellery Hanley is the new head coach of the All Stars. Former Scotland favourite Andrew Henderson will be Hanley’s assistant.

Hanley will select the representative side from northern hemisphere clubs to give England a competitive hit-out in June.

Wane is hoping the fixture is here to stay, saying he’d play it more than once a year if he could.

“I think it’s a great idea,” said Wane.

“I’d play three of these if I could. I think it’s a fantastic idea what they’ve come up with. 

“Ellery is going to have a strong team to pick from. That’s credit to the Super League clubs who have brought these overseas players to this competition.

“That’s what makes the game a little bit special.”

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Shaun Wane hoping to avenge last year’s All Stars defeat

Tim Sheens coached the All Stars to a 26-24 victory in 2021 at the Halliwell Jones Stadium. It was Wane’s first game in charge of England, who will be looking for revenge in 2022.

“I was gutted, I was absolutely devastated,” Wane recalled.

“I don’t like losing a game of Monopoly with my kids, so I was absolutely wounded losing that. People said it wasn’t a test much, but to me it was a test much. It was a game we wanted to win.

“Ellery is probably more competitive than me in wanting to win. The two teams will be ready.”

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