While Wane grapples with his own issues, notably a lack of time on the field with his players, there are still plenty of things for their autumn opponents to sort out before they board the flights for the ‘Old Dart’.
Firstly, a coach needs to be appointed, after long-standing boss Mal Meninga left his role to take up the position at new NRL franchise Perth Bears, who do not enter the competition until 2027 but for whom an entire roster needs to be raised.
Then there are the logistics, which still need fixing if former captain Brad Fittler’s interview with Australian radio station 2GB is to be believed, citing a need to sort accommodation, training facilities, kit and other tour essentials.
Fittler ruled himself out of the job, citing his media commitments, and the most recent links have suggested Cameron Smith, another former Kangaroos, could take it on.
Regardless of who picks up the baton, Wane expects high-quality opposition come October.
“I hope they are in some disarray, that would perfect! Any help I can get the better,” Wane joked.
“But, they’ve got a great team, some great players to pick from, they’ll be competitive and whoever the coach is so when they come over here in October they’ll be ready to play.
“If we can have a full stadium to make it as harsh as we can at Wembley, that’ll do for me.”
The recent State of Origin representative series – which will come to a head on 9 July in Brisbane – is locked at one game each between New South Wales and Queensland, and has helped the England coaches get a flavour of what to expect.
“I’m Whatsapping my staff, Lee Briers and Andy Last, during the game with things I want them to clip up – I look at it a different way,” Wane added.
“I’ve watched the Origin five or six times now and I can’t wait for the next one.”
