Shaun Wane wary of impact Covid-19 could have on World Cup

Nine Hull FC players plus three members of staff tested positive last week, wreaking havoc on the fixture list less than a fortnight into the restarted campaign.

Hull have subsequently seen at least two games postponed and previous opponents Salford Red Devils also had to sit out last week’s round of action.

Having already missed five months of competition this year owing to the pandemic, it has been far from an ideal situation.

The fragility of it all was once more highlighted yesterday when the Rugby Football League confirmed there has been a positive test at champions St Helens this week although it surrounds a non-playing member of staff.

In terms of the national side, England, who host the 2021 World Cup next September, have already seen this autumn’s home Ashes series with Australia postponed as part of the knock-on effect of Covid and club competitions in both hemispheres being extended.

Domestically, the NRL - who returned to action much earlier than Super League - have not seen any games cancelled because of outbreaks and Wane is wary of how his plans could be affected if there are anymore hold-ups here. Asked about his reaction to the outbreak at Hull, the 55-year-old - who has added St Helens’ Morgan Knowles and Brisbane Broncos sensation Herbie Farnworth to his elite training squad - said: “I was concerned and a bit angry.

“At the end of the day, this game is really important to me like it is with the Hull players.

“We just need to make sure that we’re all really supportive and smart in how we go about our business and we protect our game.

“The ramifications of having even more problems is really bad. There’s no question about that.

“I’ve loved these last few weeks, watching two or three games a day, and I don’t want it to stop.

“While all the players are already being smart, we need to be smarter and obsessed with making sure we do the right things.”

Wane added: “There’s no dressing it up. I’m fearful of more postponements because I want to give us the best chance of winning the World Cup.

“We need to make sure that we’re the shining light of all sports, and we behave the best.

“I know the majority of players in Super League will all be trying. We just need to try harder.”

Wane, who signed a new deal last week despite still waiting to take charge of a game, has not ruled out arranging an international fixture at the end of this year but concedes the “wellbeing of players is the priority”.

The likelihood is the Exiles - a team made up of overseas players in Super League - will return as opposition next summer for the first time since 2013 as part of England’s World Cup warm-up.

“The Exiles [idea] has become more serious with me since the Ashes were called off,” conceded Wane.

“I need to coach. I need some stress at weekends and I’ve sat down with [RFL CEO] Ralph [Rimmer] and said what I want with camps and games. An Exiles game around the middle of next year, around June-time, hopefully we can get that in there.

“It’s not going to be perfect but it’s going to be the best we can do in terms of our prep’ for the World Cup.”

Meanwhile, loose-forward Knowles, 23, has switched allegiances after playing for Wales in the 2017 World Cup.

Born in Barrow-in-Furness, he is viewed by Wane as a potential long-term successor to current England captain Sean O’Loughlin in the No13 role.

He has been an integral part of Saints’ side in recent years, helping them win the Grand Final last season and proving a driving force with his tenacity, work rate and ball-handling skills.

Asked if he chased Knowles or the other way around, Wane added: “I chased him. He’s a big player I admire, a big effort player which is perfect for me and I can see him playing in a Test match.

“I’ve already spoken to him but I like him. Lockers is not gonna last forever and he sees himself jumping in there, which I can see myself. He’s got a bit of skill and a bit of speed and he can do a job anywhere for you.”

Young centre Farnworth, 20, has been impressive for Brisbane even while they are suffering such a season of woe in the NRL.

He played for Wigan St Patricks as a junior before being spotted by Brisbane while still at school in England.

“Herbie is young and will have time to develop into one of the leading candidates for World Cup selection,” said Wane.

“He’s warranted his selection in the top squad. I’d need to see more from him but the glimpses I’ve seen are very encouraging.

“His size and athleticism are very impressive and I can see him pushing very hard for a centre spot next year.

“The scouts at Wigan made me aware of him many years ago. We’ve followed his rise through the ranks and to end up over there, playing NRL at his age, is very impressive.”