Link-up with Colin Maskill the perfect ‘marriage’ for England coach Shaun Wane

MORE than a quarter-of-a-century after playing together at Leeds, Shaun Wane and Colin Maskill will now link up together for their country.
New England team manager Colin Maskill.New England team manager Colin Maskill.
New England team manager Colin Maskill.

England coach Wane yesterday announced Maskill would be team manager for the national side, replacing Leeds Rhinos legend Jamie Peacock who has stood down from the role.

The pair have known each other for decades, first as opponents but then as team-mates when Wigan prop Wane moved to Headingley in 1990.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Ex-Wakefield Trinity hooker Maskill was already at Leeds and they packed down together for three seasons.

England head coach Shaun Wane.England head coach Shaun Wane.
England head coach Shaun Wane.

Maskill, 56, is UK operations manager at ISC Sport, the Australian sports clothing manufacturer and has numerous contacts on both sides of the hemisphere.

He left Leeds in 1994 and spent time at Castleford Tigers, Featherstone Rovers and – in two spells – Doncaster before retiring in 1999.

“I knew him when I played at Wigan,” said Wane.

“He’s a good guy, Masky, and he’s hardworking and is very important to ISC. He’s a good rugby man, very well-organised and easy to get on with.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“He’s very thorough and I listed the things I wanted from a team manager and he ticked every one. I’ve stayed friends with him since my time at Leeds and he was perfect for it.”

Wakefield-born Maskill will take up duties in readiness for the three Test home series with Australia this autumn which organisers hope will still go ahead despite the pandemic.

Meanwhile, Wane said there was “no hesitation” from him when taking a pay cut in light of the financial situation following the coronavirus.

Players, coaches and staff across the game are generally currently furloughed but he is still working preparing for the Kangaroos.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Wane, appointed on a two-year deal in February, said: “It was easy. I had no conversation with my wife about it.

“I just wanted to do my bit for everyone else in this country.

“But what this has taught me is I will never retire.

“How people do that I will never know. Being stuck at home and doing jobs around the house is certainly not for me. I can’t wire a plug, so my wife is doing all the painting, plugs and things like that.

“I’ve got a shed at the bottom of my garden I’m tidying, and I’m washing the car but that’s about it. I’m a terrible husband.”