Matty Ashton to make England debut as boss Shaun Wane hits back at Tonga claims
MATTY Ashton will go from swimming pool attendant to England rugby league international as he will make his debut against Tonga.
And the Warrington winger, who replaces injured Tommy Makinson, will have to keep boss Shaun Wane happy after the islanders’ claims of the national side being allowed to slow them down irked him.
Warrington winger Matty Ashton will make his England debut in the second Test against TongaSWPIX.COM
After Sunday’s first Test, boss Kristian Woolf claimed there was a second difference between his side being called off tackle by the referee and the hosts.
But ahead of Saturday’s second meeting, Wane hit back, saying: “I was shocked at those comments.
“I was pretty surprised but if that’s the way they want to behave, that’s up to them.
“I’m amazed as it was not the way I saw it and it was factually wrong, that’s been proved. I checked with our stats and the official Rugby Football League stats.
“It was 100 per cent incorrect.”
Ashton will not be the only change as Liam Farrell will replace injured Morgan Knowles for the Huddersfield clash.
And as the 25-year-old completes a journey from being a swimming pool lifeguard and McDonald’s burger flipper to the highest level, Wane cannot wait.
He added: “I’m excited to see what Matty does. I’m excited to see the next players come in.
“He’s come from nothing and he’s fitted in really well. He’s a great kid with a great athlete. I’m looking forward to seeing what he does.
Shaun Wane has hit back at Tonga’s claims over the speed of the ruck
“Some people may have waited to see of Tommy’s fit but I didn’t want to do that, I wanted to commit to Matty and allow him to have the confidence.
“He’s really fitted in and his spirit is bang on – he’s definitely got the pace to trouble Tonga, so has Tom Johnstone.
“I know Tom and Matty will do really well on Saturday. I’ve seen for years what they do in our competition.”
