England names Ashes squad with six NRL stars
The England rugby league club scene received a boost as coach Shaun Wane announced a 24-man squad for the upcoming Ashes series against Australia. The lineup includes six players plying their trade in the NRL, underscoring England’s strategy of blending international experience with the high-level competition found Down Under.
Six NRL players picked to push England’s Ashes bid
Among the inclusions are John Bateman (North Queensland Cowboys), AJ Brimson (Gold Coast Titans), Herbie Farnworth (Dolphins), Kai Pearce-Paul (Newcastle Knights), Morgan Smithies (Canberra Raiders) and Dom Young (Newcastle Knights). Brimson’s selection is notable as he recently switched allegiance from Australia to England, a move that was cleared by the International Rugby League tribunal after he previously represented Queensland in State of Origin. The presence of six NRL players highlights England’s intent to test itself against the best in the sport and adapt to a demanding three-Test format that marks the first rugby league Ashes in 22 years.
Moonlighter for the Man of Steel: Jake Connor misses out
One notable omission is Leeds Rhinos halfback Jake Connor, the Man of Steel winner for the 2025 Super League season. Connor set the pace for his club with consistent performances and a top-four finish, but his absence from the England squad has sparked plenty of discussion among fans and pundits alike. Wane addressed the decision, separating individual awards from selection considerations.
In spoken comments to Sky Sports, Wane stressed that the Man of Steel accolade did not influence his choice. “When I’m picking a squad, the thing you will never hear from me is ‘he’s won the Man of Steel he needs to be in,’” Wane said. “I don’t even know who picked the Man of Steel… It never comes into my reckoning. I just watch the players play and think who can do a fantastic job against Australia.”
Quality halves and leadership in the squad
England have ensured a capable spine by naming Mikey Lewis, Harry Smith and captain George Williams as their halves options. The choice gives Wane flexibility in preparation for the tour, allowing variations in game plan and tempo against the Australians. Williams, a steadying influence, will bring leadership to a squad that blends Super League and NRL expertise. The coaching setup will be tasked with harnessing the strengths of players who have faced some of the toughest opposition in world rugby league.
Experience across clubs and a new England pathway
The squad’s composition reflects a broader strategy to bolster England’s depth by recruiting talent that’s already tested at the highest level. Including players from North Queensland, Gold Coast, Canberra, and Newcastle provides exposure to diverse playing styles and conditions. For Brimson, the English eligibility through his mother opened a pathway to represent England, while the tribunal’s clearance sealed the transition from an Australian representative track.
What this means for England and the Ashes series
The nine-Test calendar and the Ashes rivalry demand adaptability, consistency, and a strong team ethos. England’s decision to pick a 24-man squad with a clear focus on form, rather than jostling for individual honors, demonstrates a pragmatic approach. As the three-Test series looms, the squad will need to gel quickly, translate domestic success into international performance, and manage the physical toll of back-to-back Test matches. With a blend of NRL combativeness and Super League reliability, England will be hopeful of ending Australia’s long-standing hold on the Ashes and launching a successful campaign on home soil.
Key dates and what to expect
Details of the match schedule and training camps will be announced by England Rugby League in the coming weeks, with fans awaiting a series that could redefine the country’s standing in the rugby league landscape. For supporters, the 2025 season’s Man of Steel conversations will likely fade into the background as the focus shifts to performance on the field and the pursuit of Ashes glory.
