'He deserves it' - Leeds Rhinos boss Richard Agar welcomes Ash Handley's England call-up

Handley was not included when new England boss Shaun Wane invited a group of players to an initial get-together at Old Trafford in March, which was cancelled because of the coronavirus lockdown.

Wane has kept in touch with the group throughout the year and now Handley - along with Warrington Wolves’ Toby King - will be asked to attend a first physical gathering as soon as possible after the end of the Betfred Super League campaign.

The 24-year-old winger has scored 14 tries in Betfred Super League this term, plus another five in the Coral Challenge Cup, including a brace when Rhinos beat Salford Red Devils at Wembley last month.

“It’s well deserved,” Agar said of Handley’s inclusion.

“His form has been of a very high standard and consistent.

“When he missed the original squads he didn’t kick stones of whinge, he just set about making sure his form did his talking for him.

“It is great that has been recognised and rewarded by Shaun.”

Handley toured Papua New Guinea with England Knights in 2018 and represented England in the World Nines in Sydney last autumn.

He was then called up as a late replacement for the final leg of Great Britain’s southern hemisphere tour, but did not play.

He captained Leeds and touched down twice in last weekend’s win at Wakefield Trinity.

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