How Shaun Wane’s England could line up for first rugby league Ashes since 2003

England will take on Australia in a historic rugby league Ashes test series this Autumn with the first Test now officially less than five months way.

The three-Test series kicks off at Wembley on October 25th before heading to Everton’s new Bramley Moore Docks stadium, then concluding at Headingley.

With the halfway stage of the Super League and NRL campaigns approaching, we’ve looked at how we think Shaun Wane will line up as England face Australia for the first time since the 2017 Rugby League World Cup Final, and the first three-part Ashes series since 2003.

How England could line up for this year’s rugby league Ashes?

FULL BACK – JACK WELSBY
Despite being in an underperforming St Helens side this season, the full back is still England’s number one, and we don’t expect that to change. Gold Coast Titans star AJ Brimson declared eligibility for England last month a could be selected in the side to cover multiple positions.

WING – DOMINIC YOUNG
The Sydney Roosters winger is out of favour at his current club and has been playing reserve grade in recent weeks. However, on the international stage, Young is one of the first names on the team sheet, and has nine tries in six appearances.

CENTRE – HERBIE FARNWORTH
Arguably the best centre in rugby league at the moment, the Dolphins outside back has six tries in six games at international level and is a certainty in Shaun Wane’s side.

CENTRE – JAKE WARDLE
Wardle is currently the second top try scorer in the league, with nine to his name so far. The second centre position is always a debate, with Harry Newman, Toby King and Mark Percival all in contention.

WING – LIAM MARSHALL
After the long-term injury to Warrington’s Matty Ashton, the second wing spot is up for grabs. We think Liam Marshall the ability and experience to take on the Aussies after making a try-scoring debut for England against Samoa last year.

STAND OFF – MIKEY LEWIS
The debate between George Williams and Mikey Lewis as England’s starting six will continue until gameday on October 25. We know Shaun Wane trusts George Williams on the biggest stage, but with Lewis’ form and injuries to Williams this season, the Hull KR star may get his chance to shine against the Kangaroos.

SCRUM HALF – HARRY SMITH
The other half position seems a lot more clear cut. Wigan’s Smith has 11 assists in the current campaign, and has been ever present for England in the last seven matches.

PROP – LUKE THOMPSON
Thompson made his England debut in 2018 and has been a standout prop since his return to Super League in 2024. With injury to club teammate Ethan Havard, the 30-year-old could already have one hand on the starting shirt.

HOOKER – JEZ LITTEN
Whilst Daryl Clark has been England’s first choice hooker for tests against Samoa and Togna, it is hard to argue with Jez Litten overtaking him for the starting nine spot. Litten is a key part of the success Hull KR are having over recent years.

PROP – MIKE MCMEEKEN
The London-born prop has reached a new level in the last couple of years, impressing for Catalans before a move to Wakefield in 2025. Making 100m+ in over half of his matches so far, McMeeken is one of a handful of players vying for the starting prop jersey.

SECOND ROW – KAI PEARCE-PAUL
Pearce-Paul has adapted brilliantly to life in the NRL, being a standout performer for the Newcastle Knights. The 6’5 back rower is becoming a mainstay in Shaun Wane’s England side.

SECOND ROW – JUNIOR NSEMBA
The 2024 Young Player of the Year has developed at a blistering pace since his debut in 2023. Matty Nicholson is in incredible form for new club Canberra Raiders, but an ankle injury is currently ruling him out of action. It will be a tough call for Wane to make between the two young talents.

LOOSE FORWARD – VICTOR RADLEY
Radley pledged his allegiance to England before the 2022 World Cup, and featured in both matches against Samoa last season. He faces tough competition with Morgan Smithies and Morgan Knowles both eying up the starting 13 jersey.

INTERCHANGE –
Danny Walker, Matty Lees, Tyler Dupree, Morgan Smithies.