England coach Shaun Wane has urged the country’s rising rugby league stars not to make the move to Australia too soon in their careers.

Though the Ashes series against Australia was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic, it hasn’t stopped Wane from casting his eye on the in-form players.

He revealed Alex Walmsley and Sam Tomkins would be at the forefront of his thoughts if any internationals were upcoming.

“I phoned him the other day,” Wane said. “I don’t make many phone calls like that but I told him I was impressed.”

Wane also feels 31-year-old Tomkins, his former full-back at Wigan, is getting back to his best in what is now his second season at Catalans Dragons.

“He’s at the front (of the queue) at the minute,” said Wane, looking ahead to the 2021 World Cup. “He’s the form player isn’t he?

Wane is also keeping watch on Australia’s NRL, where a number of potential members of his World Cup squad already ply their trade.

But the three-time Grand Final-winning coach has urged up-and-coming players tempted by the opportunity to play Down Under not to make the move too soon.

“I think they need to stay here and prove themselves like John Bateman did and Ryan Sutton has done,” said Wane.

“It is a big ask for those young players and I would like them to stay here and have success here, then they’ve earned the right to get over there.”