England boss Shaun Wane hit back at suggestions the World Cup’s been geared in their favour insisting: “I never thought I’d hear that!”
They face Samoa in the semi-finals at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday. Champions Australia - who have won eight of the last nine tournaments - face the No1-ranked New Zealand in Friday’s other semi-final.
But there have been mutterings from some countries about how the tournament’s been set-up by Rugby League World Cup 2021 organisers.
Hotel availability, the need to change hotels mid-competition and short turnarounds have irked some while hosts England have been deemed to have an easier ride with favourable scheduling.
But when asked about the perceived issues, Wane smiled: “I've never, ever heard that before - and I never thought I would hear that
“I just don’t see where that would come from. That’s definitely not what I am seeing.
“The Aussies are playing Friday and we're on Saturday. They’ll have 24 hours in a steam room, so they are relaxed. They’ve got another 24 hours on us (before the final).
“I think the World Cup has done a great job in organising what they have done. We have had seven-day turnarounds and I don’t think any team can moan about changing hotels.
“We’re changing hotels this weekend, travelling down to London. But we look at that as exciting.”
England demolished Samoa 60-6 in their opening group game on the first day of the tournament.
But their rivals were massively undercooked having only had a couple of training sessions beforehand and many of their NRL Grand Final-winning side still getting over those celebrations.
And Samoa have won every game since, producing a stunning victory over No2 ranked Tonga in Sunday’s semi-final. Wane, who’s brought prop Luke Thompson back in to his side, insists they won’t be complacent.
“They’re not that sort of group. We never mentioned the first game. Everything's been about Samoa and Tonga. They played really well. We’ve not even referenced it," he said.
“We know it’s a different team. They’re talented with a lot of really good players from the NRL. They’ll challenge us. It’s the makings of a really good hit-out.
“We’re very positive and respectful to Samoa. We’re all excited to toddle down to London - our capital - and put a show on. And I think we’re stronger than when we played Samoa. We’re doing things better. And I know we’ll improve and can improve.”
Samoa captain Junior Paulo had his one-match ban for striking Tonga’s David Fifita overturned on Tuesday night. But Wane wasn’t fussed about the prop getting off, either.
He said: “I’m glad he’s in the team. He’s a good player. He’ll make it to the competition on Saturday. We’ll challenge him.”
Somebody who can do that is Canterbury prop Thompson, recalled after being a shock exclusion from Saturday’s quarter-final win over Papua New Guinea.
He’s been selected at the expense of St Helens’ Matty Lees and asked if he had a point to prove, Wane replied: “I hope so. He needs to fire up and play the best he can. I’m sure he will.”
