Rugby league fans across England and Australia are buzzing with anticipation as the iconic Ashes series returns for the first time in over two decades. On October 13, 2025, England officially announced their 24-man squad to face the formidable Kangaroos, reigniting one of the sport’s greatest rivalries. The three-match series, set to unfold at Wembley Stadium, Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium, and Leeds’ Headingley Stadium, promises high drama, passionate crowds, and a chance for history to be made.
England’s squad selection has sent ripples through the rugby league community. Head coach Shaun Wane has pulled together a blend of Super League standouts and NRL talent, hoping to end a drought that stretches back more than 50 years—England haven’t lifted the Ashes since 1970. "I’m really excited by the 24 players we have selected ahead of this upcoming Ashes Series," Wane declared. "There were some tough decisions to be made given the quality we have across both Super League and the NRL and that’s never easy, but I am confident that the 24 selected will give us the best chance of winning this series."
Of the 24 players, six ply their trade in Australia’s NRL, a testament to the growing English influence down under. Among them is AJ Brimson of the Gold Coast Titans, who made headlines earlier in 2025 by switching his international allegiance to England through his mother’s English heritage. Brimson has been in electric form, tallying 12 tries in 23 NRL appearances this season, and now brings his attacking flair to the England setup for the very first time. Joining him from the NRL are John Bateman (North Queensland Cowboys), Herbie Farnworth (Dolphins), Kai Pearce-Paul and Dom Young (Newcastle Knights), and Morgan Smithies (Canberra Raiders).
Super League powerhouse St Helens is the most represented club in the squad, boasting five players. Wigan Warriors, Leeds Rhinos, and Hull KR each have three, reflecting the strength of the domestic competition. For Hull KR, this Ashes series is particularly sweet. Three of their stars—Mikey Lewis, Jez Litten, and Joe Burgess—have earned the call-up, with Lewis’s selection especially noteworthy. The Grand Final’s Man of the Match and last season’s Man of Steel, Lewis is widely tipped as the form halfback in England. All eyes are on whether Wane will start him at Wembley or stick with the tried-and-tested partnership of Harry Smith (Wigan Warriors) and captain George Williams (Warrington Wolves).
The selection process was not without controversy. Notably absent is this year’s Super League Man of Steel, Jake Connor of Leeds Rhinos. Despite his individual brilliance, Wane opted for Lewis, Smith, and Williams as his halfback options. Other high-profile omissions include Wigan’s Junior Nsemba, Brad O’Neill, and Luke Thompson, as well as Canberra Raiders’ Matty Nicholson. For Hull KR, Dean Hadley’s exclusion, despite a stellar season and a Dream Team nod, has sparked debate among fans and pundits alike.
Wane addressed the fierce competition for places: "The return of the Ashes has been a long time coming and we now have the chance to face off against the Kangaroos and look to make history by being the first English side to win the Ashes in over 50 years." The excitement is palpable, with two venues—Everton and Headingley—already sold out. "We already have two sold out venues in Everton and Headingley and I’m sure the atmosphere at Wembley in less than two weeks' time will be electric," Wane added.
England’s leadership will rest on the shoulders of George Williams, the dynamic Warrington Wolves halfback, who has been named captain for the series. Williams, a linchpin in previous victories over Tonga and Samoa, brings experience and composure to a squad brimming with youthful exuberance and international pedigree.
The Kangaroos, meanwhile, have assembled a squad that many are calling one of the strongest in recent memory. Grand Final winners Reece Walsh, Patrick Carrigan, and Gehamat Shibasaki headline a lineup stacked with stars like Nathan Cleary, Cameron Munster, Mitchell Moses, Harry Grant, and Angus Crichton. Australia made some late changes, with Josh Addo-Carr and Bradman Best stepping in for the injured Xavier Coates and Zac Lomax. ARLC Chairman Peter V’landys AM summed up the mood: "This will be one of the most anticipated Kangaroo Tours in recent memory. The return of the Ashes after 22 years is not just a sporting event—it’s a celebration of Rugby League’s rich heritage and enduring rivalry between two countries."
The Ashes series is steeped in history. While the cricket version is contested regularly, rugby league’s Ashes have been on ice since 2003. Australia has dominated the fixture, winning the last 13 series dating back to 1970. The last meeting between these nations was the 2017 World Cup final in Brisbane, where Australia edged England 6-0. With the series returning to English soil, the hosts are desperate to break the Kangaroos’ stranglehold and write a new chapter in the rivalry.
The three matches are scheduled for consecutive Saturdays: October 25 at Wembley Stadium in London, November 1 at Everton’s state-of-the-art Hill Dickinson Stadium in Liverpool, and November 8 at Headingley Stadium in Leeds. The Wembley opener marks the first rugby league international at the iconic venue since the 2013 World Cup. Everton’s interim CEO, Colin Chong, expressed his excitement: "We are delighted to welcome the Rugby League Ashes series to Everton Stadium this autumn. The rivalry between England and Australia in rugby league has a rich history and we are excited to welcome fans of the sport to our city and our stadium, which will offer an unforgettable experience in a state-of-the-art setting on the banks of the River Mersey."
As the countdown to kickoff continues, the rugby league world is holding its breath. Can England’s blend of Super League grit and NRL flair finally topple the Kangaroos? Will the likes of Mikey Lewis and AJ Brimson seize their moment on the grand stage? With packed stadiums and national pride on the line, this Ashes series is shaping up to be a classic.
For now, the squads are set, the venues are primed, and the anticipation is sky-high. The only thing left is to let the action unfold and see which side will etch their names into rugby league folklore.
