Hull KR Stars Headline england’s Ashes Squad,man of steel Snubbed
England’s national rugby league team has announced its final 24-man squad for the upcoming Ashes Test series against Australia this autumn,with a important contingent from Grand Final victors Hull KR. The squad features the trio of Mikey Lewis, Jez litten, and Joe Burgess, but notably omits Super League’s reigning Man of Steel, Jake Connor.
The selection process, as expected, proved challenging for head coach Shaun Wane, given the wealth of talent available across both the Super League and the National Rugby League (NRL). “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,” Wane stated.
Burgess Returns After Decade-Long Absence
For Joe Burgess, this selection marks a triumphant return to the international stage after a ten-year absence. The Hull KR winger was instrumental in his team’s recent victory over Wigan, scoring two crucial tries in the Grand Final. Litten, meanwhile, earned his only previous England cap against France in 2023, and will be looking to build on that experience.
Lewis’s Form Earns Recognition
Mikey Lewis’s inclusion is a reward for a stellar season culminating in the Rob Burrow Award for man of the match in the Grand Final at Old Trafford. His sparkling performance solidified his position as a key player in Wane’s plans.
Connor’s Omission Raises Eyebrows
The exclusion of Jake Connor, though, is the most significant talking point. Having also been left out of the squad get-together in June, Connor has seemingly been unable to demonstrate to Wane that he warrants a place in the team, despite his individual accolades. The competition in the halves is particularly fierce,with captain George Williams and wigan’s Harry Smith also vying for selection.
Ashes Series Schedule
England will face australia in a three-match series, with games scheduled for:
- October 25 at Wembley Stadium
- November 1 at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium
- November 8 at AMT Headingley
All three matches are scheduled for a 14:30 kick-off and will be broadcast live on BBC one.
Full England Squad:
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),Dom Young (Newcastle Knights).
The squad represents a blend of experience and emerging talent, and Wane will be hoping his selections can deliver a series victory against the formidable Australian side.
Did you no? – The Ashes series is a three-match test series between England and Australia.
Pro tip: – the matches will be broadcast live on BBC One.
Reader question: – Will Jake Connor’s omission affect England’s chances?
