Wigan Warriors coach Shaun Wane says that despite the unnerving presence of Wayne Bennett at Thursday’s game against Widnes, he wants his England hopefuls to not be bothered about him watching on.
Bennett’s whistle-stop tour of the country takes him to Widnes on Thursday to watch the Warriors take on the Vikings, with players from both sides hopeful of catching the eye of Bennett ahead of this year’s Four Nations.
Yet Wane told WiganToday that he is demanding his players not think about Bennett’s presence, and instead only concentrate on getting the win – one which would move the Warriors level on points with league-leaders Hull FC, at least until Sunday.
“I’d be disappointed if they were thinking about Wayne Bennett,” said Wane.
“I expect every single player, England boys included, that they won’t be bothered about Wayne Bennett being there.
“They’ll be going there hopefully obsessed with Wigan getting two points with their team-mates – they won’t be thinking about England.”
Meanwhile, the Warriors’ investigation into an alleged off-field incident is set to come to a conclusion today when the club release their findings.
