Head Coach Shaun Wane has named a powerful 24-player England squad for the long-awaited return of the Rugby League Ashes against Australia.
England’s 24-Player Ashes Squad
John Bateman (North Queensland Cowboys), AJ Brimson (Gold Coast Titans), Joe Burgess (Hull KR), Daryl Clark (St Helens), Herbie Farnworth (Dolphins), Ethan Havard (Wigan Warriors), Morgan Knowles (St Helens), Matty Lees (St Helens), Mikey Lewis (Hull KR), Jez Litten (Hull KR), Mike McMeeken (Wakefield Trinity), Harry Newman (Leeds Rhinos), Mikolaj Oledzki (Leeds Rhinos), Tom Johnstone (Wakefield Trinity), Kai Pearce-Paul (Newcastle Knights), Harry Smith (Wigan Warriors), Morgan Smithies (Canberra Raiders), Owen Trout (Leigh Leopards), Alex Walmsley (St Helens), Jake Wardle (Wigan Warriors), Kallum Watkins (Leeds Rhinos), Jack Welsby (St Helens), George Williams (Warrington Wolves), Dom Young (Newcastle Knights).
🏉 Big Stories and Selections
Hull KR stars Joe Burgess, Mikey Lewis, and Jez Litten headline the Super League contingent after their club’s Grand Final heroics, with Burgess returning to the England fold for the first time since 2015.
There’s an international debut on the cards for Owen Trout following a breakout year with Leigh Leopards, while AJ Brimson becomes eligible for England after switching allegiance through his mother’s English heritage. The Titans fullback crossed for 12 tries in the NRL this season.
St Helens dominate the squad with five players, while Wigan Warriors, Leeds Rhinos, and Hull KR each supply three. From the NRL, Dom Young, Kai Pearce-Paul, Herbie Farnworth, John Bateman, and Morgan Smithies bolster the England ranks.
Veterans Kallum Watkins and Alex Walmsley also make their returns after lengthy absences from international duty.
🗣 Shaun Wane: “A Chance to Make History”
“I’m really excited by the 24 players we have selected ahead of this upcoming Ashes Series,” said Wane.
“There were some tough decisions to be made given the quality we have across both Super League and the NRL, but I am confident this squad gives us the best chance of winning.
“The return of The Ashes has been a long time coming — and we now have the chance to face off against the Kangaroos and make history by becoming the first English side to win the series in over 50 years.”
🏟 Ashes Test Schedule
The three-match ABK Beer Rugby League Ashes Series will be played across three iconic venues:
- 1st Test: Saturday, October 25 – Wembley Stadium
- 2nd Test: Saturday, November 1 – Hill Dickinson Stadium (Everton FC)
- 3rd Test: Saturday, November 8 – Headingley Stadium, Leeds
Two venues — Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium and Headingley — are already sold out, while the Wembley opener is expected to draw a huge crowd.
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