Jake Connor, the Super League Man of Steel, has not been selected for the England squad ahead of the Rugby League Ashes series against Australia. Coach Shaun Wane has chosen to go with Mikey Lewis, Harry Smith, and captain George Williams as his halfback options, leaving Connor, who achieved top individual honors this year, out of the lineup.
The decision comes as a surprise to many, particularly as Williams will enter the series without having played for two months by the time of the first Test. Connor’s absence could prove significant, given his potential as a game-changing player against a formidable Australian side.
Several other notable players have also been omitted from the England squad, including Wigan Warriors’ Junior Nsemba, Luke Thompson, and Brad O’Neill. Canberra Raiders’ Matty Nicholson is also absent from the selection.
In contrast, AJ Brimson of the Gold Coast Titans has been included in the squad after successfully changing his international eligibility to England earlier this year, thanks to his mother’s English heritage. Brimson had an impressive season, scoring 12 tries in 23 NRL appearances in 2025.
England’s squad also features Newcastle Knights’ Dom Young and Kai Pearce-Paul, along with other NRL talents such as Herbie Farnworth of the Dolphins, John Bateman from North Queensland, and Morgan Smithies who played a key role in the Canberra Raiders’ Minor Premiership win.
St Helens leads the representation with five players, while Wigan Warriors and Leeds Rhinos contribute three players each. Wakefield Trinity’s Mike McMeeken and Tom Johnstone are included, while Williams is the only representative from Warrington Wolves, and Owen Trout represents the Leigh Leopards.
The full England squad is as follows: 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), and Dom Young (Newcastle Knights).
Anticipation Builds for the Ashes Series
Australia has announced a star-studded squad that will travel to England for the series. Grand Final winners Reece Walsh, Patrick Carrigan, and Gehamat Shibasaki are among the notable inclusions, alongside established stars such as Nathan Cleary, Cameron Munster, and Harry Grant. Following the squad announcement, changes were made with Josh Addo-Carr and Bradman Best stepping in for injured players Xavier Coates and Zac Lomax.
ARLC Chairman Peter V’landys remarked, “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 will mark the first time England faces Australia in rugby league since 2003, a notable gap in competition. The Kangaroos have dominated the series, winning the last 13 encounters dating back to 1970, with the previous contests featuring Great Britain rather than England.
Match Schedule and Venues
The three-match series is set to take place across England, with the first Test scheduled for October 25, 2023, at Wembley Stadium in London. This match will be the first rugby league international at Wembley since the 2013 World Cup.
The second Test will occur at Everton’s new Hill-Dickinson Stadium on November 1, 2023, followed by the third Test at Headingley Stadium in Leeds on November 8, 2023. Both the matches at Headingley and Everton are already sold out, leaving Wembley as the only venue with tickets still available.
Colin Chong, Everton’s interim chief executive officer, expressed enthusiasm for hosting the series, stating, “Securing an international fixture of this magnitude demonstrates Everton Stadium’s status as one of the UK’s leading venues. 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 excitement builds for these vital matches, fans and players alike anticipate a thrilling display of rugby league action as England and Australia renew their historic rivalry.
