England’s NRL-based stars urge bosses to make room for a Test this year
ENGLAND'S NRL-based players have one simple message as the game prepares to restart - do not forget about us.
The game down under gets going again today behind closed doors, the first team competition to get off and running in an English-speaking country.
However, the delay means the State of Origin series between New South Wales and Queensland will be in November - when Tests between Shaun Wane's side and Australia are scheduled.
Switching opponents to New Zealand or Tonga looks unlikely as those nations hope to hold their own fixtures.
That leaves Papua New Guinea, Samoa or Fiji but there is the Pacific Cup to fit in.
France, Wales, Scotland and Ireland would not really provide the level of opponent wanted, especially a year from a home World Cup.
And Thomas Burgess, Josh Hodgson and Elliott Whitehead have all told bosses down under to not leave England trailing, all believing an ‘Exiles’ side made up of the best players from other nations would be good.
South Sydney star Burgess said: “Having no games will put us at a disadvantage.
“With Origin being in November now that makes it quite hard for Australia to have games against us.
“But I think it is really important for England to have some competition leading into the World Cup year.
“Maybe a Four Nations series with the top four ranking nations minus Australia play everyone once while Origin is on.
“Or we play a competition in the northern hemisphere against the British teams and a Super League Exiles team.
“Whatever options we have I’m a big believer in we have to do something if we are able to.”
Burgess’ feelings are shared by Canberra duo Whitehead and Hodgson, who have also been keeping an eye on relatives back home while doing what they can.
Back-rower Whitehead said: “I’d be very disappointed not to play Australia, that’s massive for myself.
“But hopefully we can resolve a situation where we can play a game, it may be a good idea to put the home nations and the Exiles together, just to get a game under Shaun Wane.
“I was excited when he got the job, he’s a coach I admire and I’d love to play under him.”
Hooker Hodgson added: “If the series is cancelled, it would be devastating.
“We’ve not played Australia since the 2017 World Cup final and it would be a really good test for us, especially going into a World Cup.
“It’s important England get a game, no matter who it’s against really. If it can be done, I know it will be. Shaun does what he can to get things done.
“The English lads at Canberra have had discussions about it – if it’s against Australia, great. If not, who knows? Maybe you can make a team up from a few different countries but whatever’s done, it’s got to be done right.
“And it’s got to be the right kind of hit out.”
One English player will be involved in the first game back as Brisbane's Lancashire-born Herbie Farnworth lines up against Parramatta.
And the 20-year-old, who emigrated six years ago, has a chance to impress suitors as he is a target for several other NRL clubs.
Farnworth, who was once on Manchester United's books and turned down Manchester City, may also cross codes to rugby union.
