Two sporting icons, Martin Offiah and Adam Hills, have come together to encourage England’s rugby league team to approach their upcoming Ashes series against Australia with confidence. Riding a red London bus emblazoned with Ashes branding, the pair recreated a promotional event from 1994, with Hills donning an old Australian jersey while Offiah opted for a sleek black ensemble.
Despite their contrasting backgrounds—Offiah, a rugby legend known for his record of 501 professional tries, and Hills, a comedian and television presenter—both share a passion for rugby league and a history of success in their respective fields. Hills recently became a world champion in para tennis, while Offiah celebrated his victories with teams like Widnes and Wigan during his illustrious career.
Offiah’s career is marked by significant achievements, yet he remains haunted by the absence of an Ashes victory. Throughout his career, he played in four Ashes series against Australia but lost each time with a close margin of 2-1. Reflecting on those matches, he recalls, “I’ve won against Australia, gone to Sydney and won the World Sevens… but I still haven’t got that Ashes win. That’s the thing that still rankles me.”
Memories of Wembley and Ashes Glory
A statue of Offiah stands outside Wembley Stadium, a venue synonymous with his storied career. He vividly remembers the excitement of playing in the inaugural Ashes Test in 1990, where England triumphed in back-to-back matches. “There is a mystique about Wembley,” Offiah explains. “When an English team plays against Australia in an Ashes or a World Cup final—that is the ultimate test.”
Hills believes England must leverage their home advantage in this series. He noted, “There will be a whole bunch of Australian players who haven’t played against England, who haven’t played at Wembley.” He urged the England players to dismiss the aura that surrounds Australian rugby, emphasizing, “They’re just a bunch of footy players. Have they trained any harder than us? No.”
Both Offiah and Hills agree that the current England squad possesses the talent and experience to rewrite history. Offiah pointed out that many players have achieved success against Australian clubs in the NRL, stating, “There’s more than enough talent there to rewrite history.”
Hills’ Dual Role and the Future of Rugby League
In his capacity as the president of the Rugby Football League, Hills faces a unique challenge. While he naturally supports England, he acknowledges the strong presence of Australian fans in London, calling on English supporters to fill the stands and create a home-ground atmosphere. “Bearing in mind how many Australians are in London, we’ll almost have a home ground advantage,” he said.
Reflecting on their mutual respect for each other’s contributions to the sport, Hills expressed a blend of admiration and rivalry. “It’s exciting,” he admitted, noting the significant impact Offiah had on rugby in Australia.
Despite retiring from professional play in 2001, Offiah remains a prominent figure in rugby league. He emphasizes the importance of high-profile events like the Ashes series for the sport’s growth and recognition. “Opportunities like this don’t come around very often,” he remarked. “You’ve just got to grasp it.”
As England prepares to face Australia, the call to action from Offiah and Hills resonates deeply with fans and players alike. They hope this Ashes series can mark a turning point for English rugby league, encouraging a new generation to step up and seize the moment.
