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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Sport
Aaron Bower

‘Not difficult’: Wane explains omission of Jake Connor from England Ashes squad

Jake Connor sits on a rugby league pitch
Jake Connor failed to make the England squad for the Ashes despite his Man of Steel award. Photograph: Jess Hornby/Getty Images

The England head coach, Shaun Wane, has said the decision to leave Super League’s Man of Steel, Jake Connor, out of his squad for the Ashes was “not really difficult”. He added that he does not understand the obsession surrounding the exile of the Leeds Rhinos half-back.

Connor is by far the most notable omission from the 24-man squad to take on Australia in the first Ashes series since 2003. It begins on 25 October at Wembley, with Tests at Everton and Headingley to follow on successive Saturdays. There are a number of surprise inclusions, including a return for Hull KR’s Joe Burgess after his two-try performance in the Super League Grand Final on Saturday. The winger has been out of the national side for a decade.

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