Jake Wardle to debut in Shaun Wane's England side against the Combined Nations All Stars

Huddersfield Giants’ Jake Wardle is set to make his England debut alongside three other debutants (Joe Batchelor, Matty Lees and Jack Welsby) in tomorrow’s (Saturday 18 June) mid-season international against the Combined Nations All Stars in Warrington (KO 17.45).

Wardle who has impressed many since returning from injury has scored 4 tries in 6 Super League appearances for the Giants this season whilst also showing off a grit and determination needed to play at the highest level. Jake has made it clear that this is an opportunity that he can't afford to waste and is hoping to make an impact on Saturday. 

"If I can play really well on Saturday and play consistently well at club level, hopefully I can ask some questions going into the World Cup.

"There's a lot of competition for places so it's about playing consistently well. Hopefully I can showcase that on Saturday and build on the back of that to raise a few eyebrows going into the World Cup at the end of the year." - Jake Wardle

Wardle is the only Giant in the England set up with nine of the Betfred Super League’s 12 clubs are represented in the team. Players from Australia’s NRL competition were unavailable for selection.  

England team
1 Sam Tomkins (Catalans Dragons, Captain); 2 Tommy Makinson (St Helens); 3 Kallum Watkins (Salford Red Devils); 4 Jake Wardle (Huddersfield Giants); 5 Ryan Hall (Hull KR); 6 Jack Welsby (St Helens); 7 George Williams (Warrington Wolves); 8 Alex Walmsley (St Helens); 9 Michael McIlorum (Catalans Dragons); 10 Mike Cooper (Warrington Wolves); 11 Liam Farrell (Wigan Warriors); 12 Mike McMeeken (Catalans Dragons); 13 John Bateman (Wigan Warriors).

Interchanges: 14 Paul McShane (Castleford Tigers); 15 Joe Batchelor (St Helens); 16 Matty Lees (St Helens); 17 Mikolaj Oledzki (Leeds Rhinos.

England Head Coach Shaun Wane says:
“This is the start of the World Cup as far as I’m concerned. This game is as important as the Fiji game, which is just before the World Cup starts.

“First and foremost, I want to win. Ellery will have his team very motivated and we need to be better than them. It’s simple.

“I’ve picked a group of players who in my heart I know can do the job. Some are new to the set up; others like Ryan Hall are very experienced and are still performing at a high level.

“I’ve made the call on George Williams who, on his day, is one of the best in the world. If it doesn’t work out, it’s on me as head coach.

“Our preparation has been excellent, the players have been superb in training and there’s a good spirit in camp.”

The All Stars fixture revives a Rugby League tradition which stretches back to the Other Nationalities team of the early 20th century, with the team made up of players from across the Rugby League world who are currently playing in the northern hemisphere.

England versus the Combined Nations All Stars is part of a double-header which also sees England Women taking on France.

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