The Rugby League Ashes is back after 22 years, and the stakes have never been higher! This iconic rivalry between England and Australia is more than just a sporting event—it's a celebration of the sport's rich heritage. But here's where it gets controversial: despite his Man of Steel accolades, Jake Connor has been left out of England's squad. Is this a tactical masterstroke or a missed opportunity? Let’s dive in.
England’s head coach Shaun Wane has opted for a halfback trio of Mikey Lewis, Harry Smith, and captain George Williams over Connor, who recently claimed the Super League’s top individual honor. While Smith and Williams have proven their chemistry in recent matches against Tonga and Samoa, Lewis’s Grand Final performance was nothing short of unforgettable. But is leaving Connor on the sidelines a risk England can afford? After all, Williams will have been out of action for two months by the first Test. What do you think—bold move or potential blunder?
And this is the part most people miss: the squad also includes AJ Brimson, who switched his international eligibility to England earlier this year through his mother’s heritage. Brimson’s 12 tries in 23 NRL appearances in 2025 make him a player to watch. Other NRL stars like Dom Young, Kai Pearce-Paul, and Herbie Farnworth add firepower to a squad that’s brimming with talent. St Helens leads the domestic representation with five players, while Wigan Warriors, Leeds Rhinos, and Hull KR each contribute three.
Now, let’s talk about Australia’s squad—it’s absolutely stacked. Grand Final winners Reece Walsh, Patrick Carrigan, and Gehamat Shibasaki are joined by heavyweights like Nathan Cleary, Cameron Munster, and Mitchell Moses. With Josh Addo-Carr and Bradman Best stepping in for injured players, the Kangaroos are leaving nothing to chance. ARLC Chairman Peter V’landys aptly described this as one of the most anticipated Kangaroo Tours in recent memory. But with Australia winning the last 13 Ashes series since 1970, can England finally break the drought?
The three-match series kicks off at Wembley Stadium on October 25, marking the first rugby league international there since the 2013 World Cup. The action then moves to Everton’s new Hill-Dickinson Stadium on November 1, before concluding at Headingley in Leeds on November 8. Tickets for Leeds and Everton are already sold out, so if you want to witness history, Wembley is your last chance.
Here’s a thought-provoking question for you: With the Ashes returning after such a long hiatus, is this England’s best shot at reclaiming the title, or will Australia’s dominance continue? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
Full England 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).
Fixtures:
1. First Test - Saturday, October 25, Wembley Stadium, London
2. Second Test - Saturday, November 1, Everton Stadium, Liverpool
3. Third Test - Saturday, November 8, Headingley Stadium, Leeds
Don’t miss this historic showdown—it’s not just a game, it’s a legacy in the making!
