England XIII predicted for first Ashes Test after Shaun Wane confirms 24-man squad

The first Test of the rugby league Ashes is under a fortnight away and we’ve predicted how England could line up after Shaun Wane confirmed his 24-man squad.

England will face Australia for the first time since the 2017 Rugby League World Cup Final when they go head to head on October 25th at Wembley and we now know which players Shaun Wane will be selecting from.

He confirmed his 24-man squad at midday and the big news, although expected, was the omission of Super League Man of Steel Jake Connor with the Leeds Rhinos man not earning a call-up.

Wane has called for consistency in the past and whilst you’d suggest the Man of Steel award is the mark of consistency, Wane has ignored it having spoke after the Grand Final to confirm such accolades don’t enter his head on selection.

He’s named captain George Williams along with Harry Smith and Mikey Lewis as the established halves whilst NRL star AJ Brimson, who changed his national allegiance, will offer cover across all the backs.

Another big call is the recall of Joe Burgess, ten years after he last was named, whilst Alex Walmsley and Kallum Watkins are also recalled. That means no Luke Thompson and no Matty Nicholson in surprise snubs.

The full squad can be seen here but we’ve had a go at predicting how England could line up for that opening Test against Australia.

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Predicted England XIII to face Australia at Wembley

Full-back: Jack Welsby (St Helens)

Welsby has been England’s number one ever since Sam Tomkins hung the boots up and you’d expect that continues for the foreseeable as well. He’s previously captained England and has plenty of credit in the bank with Shaun Wane.

Wingers: Joe Burgess (Hull KR) and Dom Young (Newcastle Knights)

Two rangy wingers with the giant Young and the Grand Final hero Burgess picked. Both know how to score and make metres for fun. Matty Ashton’s injury opened the door and Burgess could be the man to capitalise.

Centres: Herbie Farnworth (Dolphins) and Jake Wardle (Wigan Warriors)

Wane has recently labelled Herbie Farnworth as the best centre in the world and you’d argue that Jake Wardle is the best in Super League though Shaun Wane does seem to like Harry Newman.

Halves: George Williams (Warrington Wolves) and Harry Smith (Wigan Warriors)

A tried and trusted pairing for Shaun Wane with both men very defensively sound as well. Captain Williams will create whilst Harry Smith will control the kicking game.

Hooker: Jez Litten (Hull KR)

He’s been the best number nine in Super League by some distance and we’re backing him to start over the experience of Daryl Clark.

Props: Mike McMeeken (Wakefield Trinity) and Ethan Havard (Wigan Warriors)

Two of England’s biggest props and two of the best with McMeeken having an especially good season. Havard gets in over teammate Luke Thompson who was a surprise omission.

Second row: John Bateman (North Queensland Cowboys) and Kai Pearce-Paul (Newcastle Knights)

There is so much talent in the second row but these NRL boys are a blend of youth and experience. Kallum Watkins would offer more experience as well and can also cover loose forward but the big story here is that there’s no Junior Nsemba or Matty Nicholson to select from.

Loose forward: Morgan Knowles (St Helens)

With Victor Radley out of the picture, it clears the path for a man who was arguably the best forward in Super League. It’s no wonder he’s on his way to the NRL.

Interchanges: Matty Lees (St Helens), Morgan Smithies (Canberra Raiders), Alex Walmsley (St Helens), Mikey Lewis (Hull KR)

Three forwards who justify their own places and then a wildcard selection of Mikey Lewis to spell on at hooker or in the halves and possibly inject some mayhem into the game.

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

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