We’ve predicted how England could line up when they face Australia in the Ashes and a whopping five Wigan Warriors players have made the team.
No other team boast more than two players in our predicted side, highlighting how strong the squad that Matt Peet has built is, although just six teams across Super League and the NRL are represented in the starting XIII.
Plans for the Ashes to return were first announced in August 2023 when International Rugby League confirmed the international calendar until 2030 with the iconic series set to return later this year.
Recent reports suggested that Australia would tour England instead of the other way around, with Rugby League Commercial confirming “initial conversations” had been held.
With Ashes excitement taking over as we anticipate and await official confirmation of the three venues, we’ve predicted the team that Shaun Wane could field against the World Champions when the sides do eventually meet.
How England could line up against Australia in the Ashes
Full-back: Jack Welsby (St Helens)
Credit: SWpix
This is arguably the easiest position to select in the entire team and that could be the case for the next few years – such is the dominance of Jack Welsby as the nation’s stand-out full-back. Even in a Super League season that saw Saints struggle and Welsby suffer injury, he still managed to record 27 tries or assists.
Wingers: Dom Young (Sydney Roosters) and Liam Marshall (Wigan Warriors)
The selection gets a bit tougher here but we’ve opted with NRL giant Dom Young and Wigan’s Liam Marshall, in part due to who we have picked at centre. Matty Ashton is unlucky not to get in with he and Marshall the clear top two in Super League of late.
Centres: Herbie Farnworth (Dolphins) and Jake Wardle (Wigan Warriors)
Herbie Farnworth is deemed as one of the best centres in the NRL and he showed his class when winning Player of the Series against Samoa so he is a shoo-in. At the other centre positon, we’ve opted for one of most understated Super League stars in Jake Wardle. The no-nonsense centre performs at an 8/10 every week and has a brilliant connection with winger Liam Marshall.
Halves: George Williams (Warrington Wolves) and Harry Smith (Wigan Warriors)
Credit: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com
After witnessing how Williams and Smith have performed together in recent Tests then it’s hard to opt against them. It’s very tough on Mikey Lewis but Smith’s ability to control the game through his kicking game mixed with William’s leadership, defence and attacking drive make this the selection.
Hooker: Danny Walker (Warrington Wolves)
There could be some competition for the number nine shirt with Daryl Clark one of the other obvious options but we’ve gone with the current Dream Team hooker who should only improve for another season as a starter. If Brad O’Neill recovers well from his injury then he will also have a say.
Props: Luke Thompson (Wigan Warriors) and Matty Lees (St Helens)
Matty Lees started both Tests against Samoa and Luke Thompson would have started both if not for his ban. We believe these are Shaun Wane’s favourite duo and who can blame him? Both men were excellent in 2024 and hopefully that continues in 2025.
Second-rowers: Junior Nsemba (Wigan Warriors) and James Batchelor (Hull KR)
Credit: Paul Currie/SWpix.com
There’s a lack of experience in this second-row, particularly considering that recent England packs have had the likes of John Bateman, Ben Currie or Elliott Whitehead in but this duo are our selection. Junior Nsemba is a freakish talent but still has so much to learn meaning his ceiling is endless, whilst James Batchelor goes from strength to strength at Hull KR. We’re backing him to debut for England in 2025.
Loose forward: Victor Radley (Sydney Roosters)
England are spoilt for choice at loose forward with the likes of Morgan Knowles, Morgan Smithies and Elliot Minchella also options but Radley has been Wane’s trusted number thirteen and we don’t expect that to change.
