Shaun Wane hails Ryan Hall’s ‘invaluable’ experience following England recall

Coach Shaun Wane has already started his planning for England’s opening clash of the World Cup against Samoa with the recall of veteran winger Ryan Hall.

At 34, the former Leeds favourite is the elder statesman in Wane’s 30-strong squad for his first training session of 2022 ahead of the mid-season game against the Combined Nations All Stars but, more importantly, the delayed World Cup in eight months’ time.

Hall, who won the last of his 38 England caps against New Zealand in Denver in 2018 when he scored his 35th try for his country in a 36-18 victory, is joined in the squad by seven uncapped players with an average age of 22.

Asked what prompted his recall, Wane told a news conference: “Efforts, probably what nobody else has seen.

“Wigan scored a length-of-the-field try and the effort he made to get there from the other side of the field was immense.

“He runs hard, he’s hard to handle and he gets us on the front foot, that’s what I want from my wingers.

“I’ve always been a big fan of the way he carries the ball into yardage. He is such a big athlete and, when we play Samoa, we will need as much size as we can.

“To have someone of Ryan’s experience and mindset is invaluable for the young players.”

Hall had a disappointing stint in the NRL with Sydney Roosters after bringing his 12-year spell at Leeds to an end but is now enjoying a new lease of life with Hull KR.

“I’ve always loved playing for England and being around the England set-up, so I suppose it’s step one in my gradual return,” he said.

“I’m under no illusion, there is still a lot of hard work to do, even to keep in that squad, never mind to get a place in the actual World Cup squad.

“So there is a lot of water to go under the bridge but I’m really happy to be