Will Exiles concept be revived?

England are due to face Australia this autumn and while the series has not been cancelled, it has been cast into doubt by the NRL’s revival plan.

The Australian competition will host their Grand Final on October 24 - a week before the Ashes is due to start – and the State of Origin series may now be played in November.

Former Wigan coach Wane is working on the assumption that the three Tests against the Kangaroos is still going ahead as scheduled unless told otherwise.

But if it is off, the new England boss admits he would like at least one match in charge of the national side before next year’s World Cup. And he reckons bringing back the Exiles – a team of Super League-based overseas players – could give his side the test he needs.

The concept was cancelled after the 2013 game, two years after its creation after interest dwindled.

But Wane reckons the quality of Australian, New Zealand and South Sea Island players in the competition would make it a competitive match.

“Some of the (overseas) talent over here is unbelievable,” Wane told the Sky Sports Golden Point podcast.

“I’m thinking the Ashes is on and the World Cup is on. If it’s a case that the Ashes is off, then a mid-season match – whether an official Test or a match against the Exiles, I’m not bothered – I just want them to play the way I was talking about.”

Wane says he would be disappointed but philosophical if the Ashes doesn’t go ahead.

“I know Ralph (Rimmer, RFL CEO) and his team are doing everything they can, the Australians are really keen to get it on.

“If it doesn’t happen it’s not through the lack of trying. So I’m happy with that. And then we’d have the World Cup.

“It’d be unfortunate but it’s life, get your head around it, make the most of it.”

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