English rugby league fans disagree with Shaun Wane after Ashes squad named

Shaun Wane has named his England squad for the upcoming Ashes and it’s fair to say that rugby league fans are not too happy.

The 24-man squad selection was never going to make everyone happy and that’s something that Wane made a nod to himself when speaking about the selection.

“There were some tough decisions to be made given the quality we have across both Super League and the NRL and that’s never easy,” he explained, before asserting his confidence that the 24 he has picked give England ‘the best chance of winning this series’.

The bookmakers would disagree with Australia hot favourites to retain the Ashes, having last competed for it 22 years ago back in 2003.

In fact, England men have not faced Australia since the 2017 Rugby League World Cup Final and incredibly, three players from that matchday squad have been named in the Ashes squad.

John Bateman and Kallum Watkins played in the centres that day but they’ll compete for a spot in the pack this year behind prop Alex Walmsley, recalled to the squad for the first time since 2021.

Such selections, as well as the omission of Man of Steel Jake Connor, have seen fans question Shaun Wane’s selection.

Predicted England XIII for the first Ashes Test

Rugby League fans question Shaun Wane’s England Ashes squad

Serious About Rugby League asked fans ‘Are you happy with Shaun Wane’s 24-man squad’ and it’s fair to say that the overwhelming response was negative.

We’ve picked out some of the best or most common responses with rugby league fans clearly unhappy with the Ashes selection.

Matt Wheatcroft: He’ll miss Mulhern, an 80-minute prop.

Mike Pearce: John Bateman shouldn’t be in the squad, Dean Hadley should by far. Think Jake Connor should be in the squad too.

Richard Stanton: Personally, I would pick Connor and Lewis, and several others over this.

Chris Booth: Aussies will batter them, too many old men.

Tony Reilly: No Man of Steel. Hideous.

Julien Chaput: Jake Connor???

Tom Cowlan: Jake Connor, Man of Steel, easily the best half in the competition and left out. That is ridiculous.

Graham Howson: Might as well send the trophy to Australia now to save them travelling.

Ant McKenna: He’s just handed the Aussies the Ashes before the first hooter goes at Wembley.

Chaz Kirkwood: Wouldn’t trouble Australia’s third tier team.

Kris Gott: Bet the Aussies are loving this. Shaun Wane may as well polish the trophy for them.

Tommy Edwards: I’m a big fan of Wane but I honestly think he’s lost the plot with this squad. Bateman and Watkins over Nsemba, Nicholson and Batchelor. I don’t like Jake Connor personally but there’s no denying he deserves a shot.

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🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Your #EnglandRL squad for the 2025 @ABKbeer Rugby League Ashes! pic.twitter.com/KxcWLwqwsi

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