YEP Jury: Competitive clash with the Exiles makes perfect sense for England

By Mark Absolon
Published 10th Jun 2020, 16:32 BST
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now
Our panel of Leeds Rhinos fans discuss whether an England v Exiles game would be a good World Cup warm-up for Shaun Wane’s men.

CHRISTINE KIDD

The Exiles is a great concept and it could be the type of game that England need next year.

The Rugby League World Cup is taking place on home soil next year and the England team will be expected to be playing in the final. To achieve this and possibly actually win the final they will have to beat probably New Zealand and Australia.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad
England's Kevin Sinfield on the run against the Exiles at Warrington in 2013. Picture: Michelle Adamson.England's Kevin Sinfield on the run against the Exiles at Warrington in 2013. Picture: Michelle Adamson.
England's Kevin Sinfield on the run against the Exiles at Warrington in 2013. Picture: Michelle Adamson.

There will be no internationals this year, as the Ashes Tests have been cancelled, due to the COVID-19 situation. Also, the State of Origin series is going to be played in Australia after the NRL season finishes.

Other possible opponents for a mid-season test next year would be Wales, Scotland or France. None of these teams will give England the test that they need in preparation for the World Cup.

There are some quality players in Super League that would be eligible for the Exiles. These include Sonny Bill Williams, Israel Folau and coming next year Greg Inglis.

These combined with the likes of Konrad Hurrell, Bevan French, James Maloney and Liguria Sao would certainly be worthy mid-season opponents.

England's Ryan Hall in action, right, in action against the Exiles in 2013. Picture: Michelle Adamson.England's Ryan Hall in action, right, in action against the Exiles in 2013. Picture: Michelle Adamson.