Shaun Wane wants 'purely English-born players' in his England team

His admission would make it seem unlikely that Wigan's Jackson Hastings - who played for Great Britain at the end of the year - can squeeze into his plans.

Hastings, who has an English grandparent, and Warrington's Blake Austin both played for Great Britain last autumn under Wane's predecessor, Wayne Bennett.

Both were left out of Wane's initial squad in March though he publicly says the door was still open.

"I’m all for out-and-out Englishmen, I’m very patriotic and very proud," he told Betfred's The Last Tackle podcast.

"We’ve got some great talent in this country and imagine how proud we’d all be to win something major like the World Cup and have done it with all purely English-born players. That would be my dream.”

Wane also says he has no intention of trying to persuade Sydney Roosters forward Victor Radley to pledge his allegiance to England, where his dad was born.

“If he (Radley) can prove to me he’s English and wants to play for England and gets in touch, then I’ll have a look at it," said ex-Wigan coach Wane.

“I’m happy with the squad I’ve got at the minute."

While the Super League season is still shutdown because of the coronavirus crisis, the NRL has got back up and running - allowing Wane to cast his eyes over prospective candidates for next year's World Cup.

Among those making headlines Down Under is George Williams, who was handed his chance by Wane at Wigan.

"What George is doing at Canberra at the minute he’s done for me for years - they’ve just not watched Super League," said Wane.

"He’s doing what he’s done for Wigan, and he’s done more for Wigan.

“I know what George is capable of. I got asked a question by an Australian journalist, and I would be putting pressure on George for better performances if it were in Super League.

“That’s the sort of attitude we need to win the World Cup.”