Matchday Details
Saturday, October 25 – 2:30pm (GMT)/12:30am (AEST) – Wembley
📺 Broadcast: Nine / Fox League / Kayo
Referee: Liam Moore | Bunker: Jack Smith
England
(from) John Bateman, AJ Brimson, Daryl Clark, Herbie Farnworth, Ethan Havard, Tom Johnstone, Morgan Knowles, Matty Lees, Mikey Lewis, Jez Litten, Mike McMeeken, Mikolaj Oledzki, Kai Pearce-Paul, Owen Trout, Alex Walmsley, Jake Wardle, Jack Welsby, George Williams (c), Dominic Young
Australia
1. Reece Walsh, 2. Mark Nawaqanitawase, 3. Kotoni Staggs, 4. Gehamat Shibasaki, 5. Josh Addo-Carr, 6. Cameron Munster, 7. Nathan Cleary, 8. Patrick Carrigan, 9. Harry Grant, 10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, 11. Angus Crichton, 12. Hudson Young, 13. Isaah Yeo (c), 14. Tom Dearden, 15. Lindsay Collins, 16. Reuben Cotter, 17. Keaon Koloamatangi, 18. Bradman Best, 19. Lindsay Smith, 20. Mitchell Moses
Match Preview
The stage is set for one of rugby league’s greatest rivalries to reignite as England host Australia at Wembley Stadium in the opening Test of the 2025 Ashes series.
Australia enters the series with a commanding record, having won the past 13 Ashes campaigns since 1973, and now hold a 20–19 lead in overall series wins. The last meeting between the nations came in the 2017 Rugby League World Cup Final, where the Kangaroos prevailed 6–0 in a tense affair at Suncorp Stadium, with Boyd Cordner scoring the only try.
If scores are level at full-time, no golden point will apply. Golden point will only apply if the series is level going into the final test at Headingley and scores are level at full-time.
England: Wane’s Men Ready to Challenge
Coach Shaun Wane has made bold selections as England look to reclaim the Ashes for the first time in over half a century. The inclusion of AJ Brimson — who has effectively shut the door on future State of Origin appearances by committing to England — headlines the squad announcement.
George Williams will captain the side, supported by a core of players with strong NRL pedigree including Dom Young, Kai Pearce-Paul, John Bateman, and Herbie Farnworth. Wane’s side has won seven straight matches, their last defeat coming in the 2022 World Cup semi-final against Samoa, and they’ll be desperate to maintain that momentum in front of a home crowd.
Australia: New Faces, Same Standard
For Australia, coach Kevin Walters has opted for a blend of experience and fresh talent. 2025 Clive Churchill Medallist Reece Walsh will make his Kangaroos debut, joined by Gehamat Shibasaki, Keaon Koloamatangi, and Mark Nawaqanitawase, who switches codes after his Roosters tenure at the end of next season.
Nathan Cleary will steer the side from halfback, with Isaah Yeo taking on the captaincy. The Kangaroos remain favourites, but their composure will be tested under referee Liam Moore, whose controversial call in the 2024 World Club Challenge — awarding a try to Jake Wardle despite replays showing he was short — remains fresh in the minds of some Australian fans.
History and Context
England’s last triumph over Australia came 30 years ago, a memorable 20–16 victory in 1995. With Wembley expected to be packed and history on the line, Saturday’s Test promises intensity, passion, and perhaps a few surprises.
Australia will start as favourites, but England — under Wane’s firebrand leadership — will relish the underdog tag as they attempt to end five decades of Kangaroo dominance.
Prediction
RLZ Tip: Australia by 10.
