Matchday Details
Saturday, November 1 – 2:30pm (GMT)/1:30am (ADST) – Hill Dickinson Stadium, Liverpool
📺 Broadcast: Nine / Fox League / Kayo
Referee: Grant Atkins | Bunker: to be confirmed
England
(from) AJ Brimson, Dominic Young, Herbie Farnworth, Jake Wardle, Tom Johnstone, George Williams (c), Mikey Lewis, Alex Walmsley, Daryl Clark, Matty Lees, Kallum Watkins, Kai Pearce-Paul, Morgan Knowles, Jez Litten, Mikolaj Oledzki, Owen Trout, Mike McMeeken, Morgan Smithies, Harry Smith
Australia
1. Reece Walsh, 2. Mark Nawaqanitawase, 3. Kotoni Staggs, 4. Gehamat Shibasaki, 5. Josh Addo-Carr, 6. Cameron Munster, 7. Nathan Cleary, 8. Lindsay Collins, 9. Harry Grant (c), 10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, 11. Angus Crichton, 12. Hudson Young, 13. Patrick Carrigan, 14. Tom Dearden, 15. Lindsay Smith, 16. Reuben Cotter, 17. Keaon Koloamatangi, 18. Bradman Best, 19. Jacob Preston, 20. Mitchell Moses
Match Preview
The 2025 Rugby League Ashes series shifts north to Hill Dickinson Stadium, Liverpool, with Australia leading 1–0 after a commanding 26–6 victory at Wembley in the opener. The Kangaroos now have the chance to wrap up the series, while England are desperate to respond on home soil.
Australia Take Control
The Kangaroos were clinical in the first Test, with Reece Walsh dazzling under the Wembley lights to earn Man of the Match honours. His combination with Nathan Cleary and Cameron Munster gave Australia a clear edge in attack, while their defensive line strangled England’s momentum.
Criticism of referee Liam Moore from the opening game centred around the slow ruck speed that stifled Australia’s rhythm. In response, Grant Atkins has been appointed to officiate the second Test — a referee renowned for his fast, open style, as seen in the NRL preliminary and grand finals earlier this year. The change should lead to a more free-flowing contest, which may play into the Kangaroos’ hands.
Australia have made just one change: captain Isaah Yeo is ruled out under HIA protocols, with Lindsay Smith joining the squad. Coach Kevin Walters will again rely on his side’s established spine and forward power to secure the series.
England Look to Regroup
Shaun Wane’s England side will be out to prove a point after being comprehensively outplayed in the series opener. The possible debut of AJ Brimson adds an intriguing dynamic, while Morgan Smithies and Kallum Watkins have been named in the extended squad and could bolster the pack.
England will need to find greater fluency in attack — particularly through halves George Williams and Mikey Lewis — if they are to challenge an Australian side brimming with confidence. Should the Kangaroos’ spine click again as it did at Wembley, it could be a long 80 minutes for the hosts.
