Rugby League News | England name squad for Ashes series

Hull KR trio named in England squad for Ashes series as Jake Connor misses out

Mikey Lewis, Jez Litten and Joe Burgess included in the 24-man squad, while Super League’s Man of Steel is left out amid fierce competition in the halves.

Author | Oliver W

😤 Chasing History!

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 #EnglandRL pic.twitter.com/5xh8nkoIt1

— England Rugby League (@England_RL) October 13, 2025

Jez Litten, whose only previous cap came against France in 2023, joins Burgess, who returns to the national set-up after a 10-year absence, following his two-try display in Hull KR’s victory over Wigan at Old Trafford.

Connor, omitted from the mid-season training camp in June, has once again missed out, with England head coach Shaun Wane opting for George Williams, Harry Smith and Lewis as his half-back options. Lewis was named man of the match in the Grand Final, winning the Rob Burrow Award for his outstanding performance.

England will face Australia at Wembley on 25 October, at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium on 1 November, and at AMT Headingley on 8 November.

Pictures of previous Ashes series back in 2001 and 2003

A closer look at the squad announcement

Among the six NRL-based players selected are full-back AJ Brimson, who switched allegiance from Australia to England earlier this year, and Newcastle Knights pair Dom Young and Kai Pearce-Paul. They are joined by Dolphins centre Herbie Farnworth, North Queensland’s John Bateman, and former Wigan forward Morgan Smithies, now with Canberra Raiders.

St Helens contribute five players to the squad, including Jack Welsby, Morgan Knowles and Alex Walmsley, while Wigan and Leeds Rhinos have three representatives each. Leigh Leopards forward Owen Trout has been handed his first call-up, while Kallum Watkins earns a recall alongside Wakefield Trinity pair Mike McMeeken and Tom Johnstone.

The Ashes series returns for the first time since 2003, when Australia completed a 3-0 whitewash over Great Britain.