Exclusive: Matty Ashton hails ‘band of brothers’ feeling within the England squad

Warrington Wolves winger Matty Ashton has said this England side are a ‘band of brothers’, and has lauded the groups togetherness during the test series against Tonga. 

England have so far played two tough test matches this Autumn, winning both; but in the process it appears that the squad have become a tight-knit group.

Speaking exclusively to Serious About Rugby League following his side’s win over Tonga, Ashton spoke about the unity of the squad: “It’s massive that all the boys are together,” he said.

He added: “You’ve got to treat it like your family, you’re a band of brothers and there you go out there fighting for your country and that’s what we all did together.”

He also suggested that this ‘band of brothers’ feeling within the group helped them overcome a tough test at the John Smith’s.

Speaking on the 14-4 win in Huddersfield, Ashton said: “It was a tough grind to be honest. I don’t think the weather suited both teams the way it should do.”

He further exclaimed: “There’s more in the middle play than the middle and we did shift out wide, it was difficult.”

A lot of errors made, but we stuck together as a team, we were a band of brothers and that’s what we need to do to get our wins and I thought we did that well.”

Saturday’s game saw Ashton win his second cap for England, and he marked the occasion in fine fashion as he scored both of England’s tries to guide them to victory.

During the interview with SARL, he expressed his delight at grabbing two tries: “I’m over the moon to be honest with you”

He also highlighted his belief he could of added even more tries to his haul: “I think if my hands were a bit better I could have scored a couple more and taken a couple more opportunities but I’ll take the two tries.”

Whilst he was undoubtedly on cloud nine following his brace, he told SARL that he was looking forward to celebrating the side’s collective efforts: “I’ll take the win this group, I’m over the moon and can’t wait to celebrate with them.”

Ashton, and the rest of his England teammates, now turn their attention’s to Headingley this Saturday as they eye up a clean sweep in the Autumn series.