Shaun Wane Announces Squad for Final ABK Beer Rugby League Ashes Test
England Head Coach Shaun Wane aims to finish the Ashes Series triumphantly with the squad confirmed for the third and final test at AMT Headingley Stadium. The match kicks off on Saturday, 8 November at 2:30 PM.
Key Squad Inclusions and Changes
- Joe Burgess returns to the England squad for the first time in the series. A vital player in Hull KR’s treble-winning 2025 season, Burgess will make his first England appearance since 2015, when he played in a series victory over New Zealand early in his career with Wigan. He replaces Dom Young, who is out with a broken foot sustained in last Saturday’s loss to the Kangaroos at Everton.
- Harry Newman, the Leeds centre, is selected and may play for the first time in the series at his home club’s ground. His last international match was also at AMT Headingley during England’s 2-0 series win over Samoa in 2024.
- Kallum Watkins, also from Leeds, is the squad’s most-capped player with 30 England appearances, including one last Saturday. He is expected to make his first international appearance at AMT Headingley.
- Mikolaj Oledzki, the third Leeds player in the squad, retains his place at prop.
Injuries and Absences
John Bateman remains sidelined due to an ankle injury sustained before the Second Test.
"Joe Burgess is set to make his first England appearance since a 2015 series victory over New Zealand – in the early years of his career with Wigan."
"Newman’s last international appearance came at AMT Headingley as England sealed a 2-0 series win over Samoa in 2024."
"Kallum Watkins is again the most-capped player in the squad after earning his 30th England cap last Saturday."
Shaun Wane’s squad blends experienced players with fresh talent aiming to conclude the Ashes series with a strong performance on home soil.