Wane's world: Video nasties used to lift English standards

Wane announced his 19-player squad in alphabetical order on Thursday for the upcoming match against Australia at Wembley Stadium on Saturday.

Notably absent from the roster is Wigan's 25-year-old veteran Smith, who has six Test appearances. Instead, Hull KR's Lewis, recognized as the 2025 Rob Burrow Award recipient for man of the match in the Super League grand final, has secured a place at the scrum base alongside captain George Williams.

If England manages to end Australia's streak of 13 consecutive Ashes series victories, Wane's rigorous psychological strategies will be considered a triumph.

He shared with NRL.com that he personally compiled video dossiers of each player's mistakes and underwhelming performances from this season, creating as many as 40 critical blooper reels.