Wane ‘Excited’ to See KR Star Shine on Biggest Stage Ahead of England Recall
Shaun Wane is thrilled to see the Hull KR winger Joe Burgess return to England duty this weekend. The England coach praised Burgess and expressed his delight in giving the 31-year-old a chance to shine internationally during the Ashes series on Saturday.
Burgess will end a decade-long wait to represent England again, having last played against New Zealand in 2015. He will earn his fourth cap at Leeds, lining up against the Kangaroos. Burgess replaces Dom Young on the wing after the Newcastle Knights player suffered a broken foot in the 14-4 defeat at Everton.
- Burgess is one of two changes to England’s squad, alongside Harry Newman, who takes Jake Wardle’s place in the centers.
- Wane also expects Mikey Lewis to have a bigger role in the final Test, following limited playtime of just 11 minutes in Liverpool last week.
“He’s had a new lease of life at Hull KR, they’ve done a great job with him,” Wane said of Burgess. “I know ‘Budgie’ - he’s won me a World Club Challenge and he’s a fantastic player. I’m so happy that I can give him a start, and everyone in our squad will now play. That did mean something to me.”
In 2025, Burgess scored 24 tries in 25 games across all competitions for the Robins, arguably reaching the peak form of his 13-year career. Wane is particularly eager to see Burgess face off with Parramatta Eels star Josh Addo-Carr at Headingley Stadium.
Summary: Shaun Wane is eager to see Joe Burgess return to top form on the international stage, highlighting his impressive recent performance and key role for England this weekend.