Haley's Honing Basics For Next England Shot

Haley's Honing Basics For Next England Shot

- Jon Newcomb

MIKE Haley is striving for more consistency in “the nuts and bolts” of fullback play in a bid to get back into England contention.

Other than a brief appearance as a makeshift replacement centre against the Barbarians last May, the uncapped Sale Shark has slipped off Eddie Jones’ radar since his involvement in the England Saxons tour to South Africa in the summer of 2016 was cut short by a shoulder injury.

But with Mike Brown not getting any younger, Alex Goode out of the picture and doubts persisting over Anthony Watson as a Test quality full-back, there is still time for the Preston-born player to push forward his case for the next World Cup.

And, judging by his rocksolid performance in last week’s 24-0 Challenge Cup win over Cardiff Blues, Haley, still only 23, appears to be getting back on track.