FIRST HAND

Leeds ace Ash ready to make his international debut after agony of missing out twice

- DAVE CRAVEN

ASH HANDLEY hopes it is third time lucky finally getting his international career up and running.

The prolific Leeds winger makes his England debut today against France having endured some torrid luck on the biggest stage.

He was called up by Great Britain as an injury replacement on their 2019 southern hemisphere tour.

Handley flew to Papua New Guinea for the final Test - only to be left out by Lions boss Wayne Bennett.

He was picked for England coach Shaun Wane's first game against the Combined Nations All Stars two years later, only to suffer a head injury just after coming on.

Many thought Handley would be in Wane's World Cup squad last year after making more metres in Super League than anyone else but he was snubbed again.

All of that will be forgotten, though, when he finally gets that first cap in Warrington.