James Graham believes self-interest behind Rugby League World Cup withdrawals
The holders and 2008 champions cited player safety during the coronavirus pandemic as the reason for withdrawing.
The holders and 2008 champions cited player safety during the coronavirus pandemic as the reason for withdrawing.
The two nations have elsewhere been branded ‘cowardly’ and ‘selfish’ over the move.
The southern hemisphere giants say they made the call because of the worsening Covid-19 situation in the UK.
The two nations have withdrawn over safety concerns.
The two southern hemisphere sides have decided to pull out of the tournament in England due to concerns about Covid.
The tournament organisers were given short notice of the two countries’ decision to withdraw over Coronavirus concerns.
Tournament officials are understood to have been given just four minutes’ notice ahead of the announcement.
The tournament is due to get under way in England in October.
The event had been in doubt.
Officials are ready to confirm the tournament will go ahead as planned this autumn and have called a press conference for Thursday morning.
There were fears the tournament would be delayed by 12 months.
The 26-year-old Great Britain and England international has signed a three-and-a-half-year deal.
The 32-year-old Catalans Dragons full-back will lead out his side at Warrington’s Halliwell Jones Stadium on his 30th appearance for his country.
Wane is set to take charge of England for the first time next Friday.
Williams is currently without a club after his release from Canberra Raiders.