Newly-crowned Steve Prescott Man of Steel Jake Connor has urged England boss Shaun Wane: Let me loose against the Aussies.
He topped a brilliant season for Leeds Rhinos when winning the sport’s most prestigious individual honour on Tuesday night.
But gifted half-back Connor looks increasingly likely to still miss out on the Ashes Test series which kicks off later this month.
He hasn’t ever played for Wane since the ex-Wigan boss took over the national job from Wayne Bennett in 2020.
Connor, undoubtedly one of the most skilful players of his generation, has struggled for consistency at times during that period with previous clubs Hull FC and Huddersfield Giants.
But he has ironed that out this year under Brad Arthur in his first season at Headingley, taking his game to new levels when producing a raft of stellar displays which resulted in him lifting the Man of Steel.
Connor beat Hull KR half-back Mikey Lewis – a certainty in Wane’s squad – and Wigan’s Aussie full-back Jai Field to the main prize and it seems incredulous that there won’t be space for him in England’s 24-man squad when it is named on Monday.
He hasn’t given up hope and Wane does always state he’ll pick on form but does the creative force believe he’s done enough to warrant a spot?
Connor, who produced 30 try assists this term, said: “Yes, I think I have. Obviously, everyone has their own opinions.
“But everyone has always asked for that consistency from me. And I’ve been able to deliver that this year and tighten some stuff up on my game, improve on a lot of things and I feel I’ve done that throughout the year.
“It’s obviously my best year to date. I’ve just improved massively this year and I’d love to get out there against the Aussies with the form I think I’ve been in.
“It’s still a massive dream of mine. I’ve had a taste of it before [playing for England] and kind of know what it takes to play for them.
“I’ve loved every minute of playing for my country. It’s still a massive dream and always has been. I’d love to represent England again.”
Serious About Rugby League has launched a brand new podcast which can be watched in full on our YouTube channel here.
Does he think Wane will pick him?
Connor replied: “I’m not sure. Hopefully I’m in with a chance like everyone else.
“But I’d like to think my form is recognised and hopefully I still have chance of representing my country.
“But we’ll see Monday.”
Although Connor’s last international caps were on the disastrous Great Britain tour in 2019, before that he always delivered for Bennett in England colours.
He scored four tries in five Tests in 2018, featuring in a series win over New Zealand and beating France, playing half-back, centre and from the bench.
Clearly, Connor is a far more rounded player now and his craft and guile could be just what’s needed if England are to have any chance of breaking down the revered Kangaroos.
On what’s stopped Wane picking him so far, Connor said: “We spoke briefly back in 2021. Brett Hodgson was in charge [of Hull FC]. Back then I felt I was in good form but I didn’t manage to force my way in.
“We spoke briefly before the Combined Nations game – I ended up playing for them against England – and that was about it.
“Admittedly, my form hasn’t been too good since then [until this year] and I can’t argue with that. But hopefully I’ve put myself in a good position where I’m being thought about.
“Before, it probably was just the consistency. Back then I was playing well but I still had a lot of things to work on like my effort areas. I feel like I’ve improved in that side of the game this year.
“With England, we’ve got class players across the board. But I think, with me, I provide that utility value.
“I know other people can as well. I can play in numerous positions, though, and I feel I can excel in them as well. That could be a massive help in the Ashes.”
The move to Leeds this season has certainly been the making of him.
Connor conceded: “I think I’ve improved pretty much everything in my game.
“Besides all the skill and flair you’ve always seen in the past – I’ve still got that – but improved my efforts. I’ve definitely improved my defence, my physicality, the work on my body as well – in previous years I’ve kind of always got injured towards the back end of the year and not been in good nick with my body,
“That’s improved my game massively, just being out there feeling fresh and not having to worry about my body has definitely helped my game.
“All off the ball stuff, the stuff we do at training, all the fitness and technical stuff. Grixy [assistant Scott Grix] puts a lot of time and effort into stuff off the ball – the kick escort, the kick chase – and that’s really enhanced my game as well.
“I feel better than ever. And I’d love to now have a crack at the Aussies.”
