England Rugby League Announce Ashes Squad: Surprises and Key selections for Australia Series
The England Rugby League team has revealed its 24-man squad to contest the highly anticipated Ashes test series against Australia this autumn. The selection features a blend of seasoned veterans and rising stars, promising a compelling contest. However, the omission of Super League’s reigning man of Steel, Jake Connor, has sparked considerable discussion amongst fans and pundits alike.
This series will be a true test of England’s mettle against the formidable Australian Kangaroos. Let’s delve into the key takeaways from the squad announcement and what you can expect from the upcoming matches.
Hull KR Heavily Represented
Hull KR fans have reason to celebrate, with a notable trio of their Grand Final-winning heroes earning call-ups. Mikey Lewis, Jez Litten, and Joe Burgess have all been included in Shaun wane’s squad. Burgess,in particular,makes a triumphant return to the international stage after a decade-long absence,following a two-try performance in Hull KR’s victory over Wigan.
Lewis’s inclusion is particularly noteworthy, having secured the Rob Burrow Award for Man of the Match at Old Trafford with a dazzling display.Litten will be looking to build on his single previous cap earned against France in 2023.
Connor’s Exclusion: A Controversial Decision
Despite a stellar season culminating in the Man of Steel award, Jake Connor finds himself outside the squad. Head coach Shaun Wane cited fierce competition in the halves as the reason for the difficult decision.Connor was also absent from the squad gathering in June, suggesting a consistent pattern of being overlooked despite his remarkable form.
Wane has opted for a wealth of options in the halfback positions, including captain George Williams and Wigan’s Harry Smith, alongside the dynamic Lewis. This demonstrates the depth of talent available to England, but leaves many wondering what Connor needs to do to break into the team.
Ashes Series Schedule & Broadcast Details
You can mark your calendars for these crucial clashes:
* October 25th: England vs. Australia at Wembley Stadium (14:30 kick-off, BBC One)
* November 1st: England vs. Australia at Hill Dickinson Stadium,Everton (14:30 kick-off,BBC One)
* November 8th: England vs. Australia at AMT Headingley (14:30 kick-off, BBC One)
all three matches will be broadcast live on BBC One, ensuring widespread accessibility for fans across the nation.
Wane Confident in Squad Selection
Shaun Wane acknowledged the difficulty of making final selections given the high caliber of players available. “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,” he stated. “But I am confident that the 24 selected will give us the best chance of winning this series.”
This confidence underscores Wane’s belief in the squad’s ability to overcome the challenge posed by Australia.
Full England Squad List
Here’s the complete list of players selected to represent England in the Ashes series:
* 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 (
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