England boss Shaun Wane believes Samoa Test tour WILL happen this year
SHAUN Wane believes England’s rugby league Test series against Samoa WILL happen on these shores.
And the national boss was ‘very shocked’ the Pacific islanders signalled their intention to back out of the Autumn's showpiece.
Samoa said they would not follow Tonga, even though the understanding was they would as part of a new blueprint for international rugby league.
Now talks are set to take place between Rugby Football League officials and the World Cup finalists, with belief the tour will happen growing.
But Wane is in no doubt he expects his side to be on a mission to gain revenge for their semi-final agony.
He said: “I’m being told the Samoa Tests are on. I’m absolutely working as though they will be.
“I’m positive and very hopeful they will be because the strength of our game very much depends on the international game. We need those games on.
“A 10-year plan was put in place and I was quite shocked when Samoa was called off. I thought something concrete had been out in place.
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“So I was very shocked the Samoa series could get questioned so quickly.
“But things are happening now to make it more certain. It’s very important for the game we get these on.”
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What looks definite is England heading to Toulouse on June 29 to play France and the off-field player gatherings credited for building team spirit will continue.
Wane believes the fact the match is in France will be another challenge for a ‘very young’ team that will travel with a view to the 2026 World Cup.
And he hopes to get a broader talent pool to pick from this coming season after young stars covered big name absentees with aplomb as Tonga were beaten 3-0.
He added: “We definitely need to get a really tough Test series but the lads were outstanding against Tonga, especially when you consider the ones we had out.
“That was a massive shot in the arm for Super League as players showed they can perform at the highest level – we beat a team that on paper was better than us.
“But we need another two Harry Smiths and another two Mikey Lewises. Look at the strength in depth Australia, New Zealand, Samoa, Tonga and Papua New Guinea have, it's more than we have.
“So as a Super League competition, we need to make it more intense and get stronger, better players.
“And the clubs rely on a strong international game as it benefits them – they’re more on board now than they were previously.”