I'LL DO IT MY WANE

England boss Shaun defends Ashes squad after Man of Steel winner Jake misses out

- BY JOSH MCALLISTER

SHAUN WANE claims the Man of Steel award “doesn’t mean anything” to him after omitting this year’s winner Jake Connor from his squad for the Ashes.

The Leeds halfback was left out of the 24-man group named by Wane on Monday for the three-Test series against Australia.

The 30-year-old former Hull and Huddersfield playmaker enjoyed an outstanding season following his switch to the Rhinos last winter.

Opening up on his conversations with Connor ahead of the squad reveal, Wane admitted: “It wasn't really difficult. It was more about his form than anything else.

“He took it well and we had a good chat. He's really good lad and I've lots of time for him. But there's other players that are not in this 24 and I dont see the obsession about why for every single person. ‘The Man of Steel’ - it doesn’t mean anything to me.