Former players Adrian Morley and Kyle Amor have shared their excitement following the announcement of an England v Australia rugby league Ashes Test series in October and November.
Morley played in the last series against the Kangaroos in 2003 where he was involved in the infamous 12-second red card incident in the very first match.
The duo discussed everything about the upcoming series on The Last Tackle and how it could elevate the international game across the world.
Morley said: “I just can’t believe that it’s been that long since our last Ashes series against the Kangaroos. It’s the oldest and fiercest rivalry in rugby league. I’m delighted it’s back on.”
Amor agreed, stating: “There’s been a lot of darker stories and this is certainly one that’s brilliant.”
Moreley described playing for Great Britain and then England as one of the proudest moments of his career after growing up watching the Ashes Tests.
Morley said: “Great Britain was the be-all and end-all for me. When I got a chance to play for them, it was everything I’d dreamed and imagined it would be.
“It was absolutely incredible, it didn’t make it any less special switching to England but for me growing up, the iconic Great Britain jersey was it for me.
“It’s great to represent your country at any level and against anyone but against the Aussies, that’s the ultimate.
“This is going to be the ultimate test on home soil and I can’t wait.”
Great Britain legend Adrian Morley gives England “great chance” as rugby league Ashes confirmed
It’s been 55 years since England’s last Ashes win in 1970 but Amor believes that the recent move of many England players moving to Australia can only help the home side.
He said: “I just think what’s really exciting for this England group is they’ve got more players than ever before playing in the NRL and playing well, playing week in, week out, but I also think what’s happened in recent times in Super League with the World Club Challenges, especially those last two wins, will perhaps dampen down that pedestal before a ball is kicked.”
Adrian Morley heaped praise on both England boss Shaun Wane and the Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga, stating they’re the perfect figures to lead this iconic series.
On Wane, Morley said: “He’s a very passionate man and I think he’s got a right to go into this series confident. They’ve not got the strength in depth like Australia but keep everyone injury-free, we’ve got a great chance.”
Talking about Meninga, he said: “He’s the only Australian to make four tours to the UK which is amazing but he is Australian rugby league in my opinion. It’s great that he’s coaching now.”
Amor touched on the lack of tough tests that England have had over recent years, adding that it’s great preparation heading into the 2026 World Cup.
He said: “In the northern hemisphere, there is no contest for England at all really. France has always been a predominantly 40-point game and the other emerging nations, such as Ireland and Scotland, they’re just not up to the standards, largely because of that strength in depth.
“To get the southern hemisphere in Tests is huge and I think the timing of it is brilliant and I really cannot wait for the end of this year to see how they go.”
“Pinnacle of your career” – Morley’s message to England’s Ashes team
Morley was particularly looking forward to seeing rugby league in a new venue, with the second Test being held at Everton’s new home ground, Bramley-Moore Dock Stadium.
He said: “I think everyone will be a bit curious to see what it’s all about.
“A 50,000 seater stadium is the perfect size for international rugby league and especially a game of this stature.
“If we do well at Wembley, I’m sure we’ll see a fantastic crowd there over in Liverpool.
“Headingley’s got a great history of Ashes Test matches. It’s not as big as Wembley or the new Everton ground.
“However, it’s got the history and the heritage and if it’s a decider or if England are winning, it’ll sell out.”
Amor added: “If it’s a decider and you’re going to Headingley, it’s probably the first game in a long, long time where you may not be able to get hold of a ticket for a rugby league game so it could be master stroke really in terms of more people tuning in. It would be interesting if it was 1-1 heading into that one.”
When asked if he’d go into the England camp if invited, Morley couldn’t contain his excitement.
He finished: “I’d leap at the chance, I’d mention how it should be the pinnacle of your career.
“A, you’re representing your country and B, you’re doing it against the World Champions.
“You don’t get many opportunities like this, make the most of it and leave it all out there.”
