England RL coach Shaun Wane would happily play Aussies on Christmas Day!

The NRL are working towards a return to action in May with a shortened campaign that may be finished in time for the Kangaroos to tour for three Tests on successive weekends, starting on October 31.

But Wane would settle for it being delayed if it gave him the chance to take charge of England later this year.

“We have to come together to make this work and put the game first and back it.

“I’ll play Christmas Day in Australia – it doesn’t matter to me,” said the former Wigan coach.

“If it’s a different date we’ll make it fit. We’re tough, we adapt here all the time and this is another one.

“I know Ralph Rimmer (RFL chief executive) and his team will do 
everything they can to make sure this gets on because the Aussies are keen to get over here and play this as well, and I know how important it is to get them over here.

“I am optimistic and very, very hopeful. I want to start coaching as soon as possible but obviously there’s other more important issues than our sport.

“Once that’s sorted, if we can get the Ashes on then fantastic. The way the Aussies are going about their business fills me with confidence that we can get them on. Until I’m told otherwise, as far as I’m concerned it’s on.”

Asked whether he thinks Australian officials are as keen for the Ashes to go ahead, he said: “Absolutely, 100 per cent. That’s definitely the case.

“They’re as keen on the international game as I am, and we know how important it is to get this on.”