Wane issues 'patriotic' England plea to fans

HEAD COACH CALLING ON THE COUNTRY'S SUPPORT TO HELP STEER HIS SIDE TO VICTORY

- By DAN TOMLINSON

ENGLAND head coach Shaun Wane has pleaded for the nation to get behind his side, forget about selections, and 'be patriotic.

Gearing up to lead his country against Australia at Wembley in the first Rugby League Ashes series since 2003, Wane is ready to go. In typical boisterous mood, the passion has shone through the Wigan native this week, who has defended his 24-man squad selections and the 17 players he will pick to battle the Aussies this Saturday.

In fact, the head coach - gunning for a third consecutive home Test series win - is now calling on the country's support to help steer his side to victory - one that, with his team completely written off by most, would be the greatest triumph of his career to date.