England’s opening Rugby League Ashes line-up predicted as Shaun Wane set to make key spine call

The Rugby League Ashes returns tomorrow, and after 23 years of delay, we are just over a day away from England taking on Australia and another chapter being added to the sport’s greatest international rivalry.

The Kangaroos have already named their line-up, doing so on Tuesday, and their team is littered with stars from across the NRL. Nathan Cleary will partner Cameron Munster in the halves, whilst four players make their Aussie debuts – one of whom is Grand Final star Reece Walsh.

In the pack, Australia have the likes of Patrick Carrigan and Isaah Yeo to drive them forward, whilst Harry Grant, arguably the best number nine in the world, stars at hooker.

Shaun Wane elected to keep with Super League tradition and name a preliminary squad two days prior to the game, and will announce his full 17 on the day of the game, likely to be around 90 minutes before kick-off.

Predicted England squad for Rugby League Ashes following key half-back’s omission

The 19-man squad, which was released yesterday, hinted at some big changes as to who we are used to seeing turning out for England, with Wigan Warriors man Harry Smith one of the five players to miss out.

Smith has been an England ever-present since the 2022 World Cup, one of only two players to do so, however he will have to wait at least another week to return to the starting line-up.

Captain George Williams looks set to partner Mikey Lewis in the halves, as the Hull KR playmaker makes his third start for England, and sixth appearance overall.

In the pack, Mike McMeeken and Matty Lees should be the ones starting the game, with the fire power of Alex Walmsley coming on later in the game from the bench.

The decision of who plays hooker has been a talking point, with Jez Litten and Daryl Clark bringing two different styles of play, but each as important as the other. Litten has made just one appearance for England, coming off the bench against France in 2023. Clark, meanwhile, has 15 caps to his name, and was the starting nine in all five Tests against Samoa and Tonga.

With only two centres and two wingers selected, those positions name themselves, but Jack Welsby has competition with AJ Brimson at full-back. The Saints star is expected to start however, with Brimson, if he were to be selected, likely coming off the bench and playing the ’14’ role – the substitute player who will cover the backs or hooker when entering the fray.

England predicted team to face Australia at Wembley: Jack Welsby, Dominic Young, Jake Wardle, Herbie Farnworth, Tom Johnstone, Mikey Lewis, George Williams, Mike McMeeken, Daryl Clark, Matty Lees, Kai Pearce-Paul, John Bateman, Morgan Knowles.

Bench: Jez Litten, Owen Trout, Mikolaj Oledzki, Alex Walmsley.

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