Shaun Wane makes major call as England squad confirmed for first Ashes Test

England head coach Shaun Wane has named his squad for the first rugby league Ashes Test in over 20 years ahead of Saturday’s game versus Australia.

It was 2003 the last time a rugby league Ashes Test was contested with England and Australia not even meeting since 2017 with the Kangaroos getting the better of England that day in the World Cup Final.

Three Englishmen who played that day were named to Shaun Wane’s 24-man squad and two of those have been named in today’s 19-man squad with John Bateman and Alex Walmlsey both selected, whilst Kallum Watkins misses out.

Wane had played his cards close to his chest all week in regards his selection for the Wembley opener, confirming that he knew his 17 before stating ‘George (Williams) will play’ when asked if there was any more teasers.

Williams spot wasn’t ever really in doubt, despite his lack of form in Super League, given Wane’s staunch loyalty to players who have ‘credit in the bank’. The bigger question though was who would play alongside the England captain in the halves.

Mikey Lewis named in England squad

We now have the answer to that with Hull KR’s Grand Final hero Mikey Lewis selected with Wigan’s Harry Smith omitted from the squad.

It’s a major call from Shaun Wane and one that might surprise a few people given the fact Smith has been the partner for George Williams whenever both have been available in recent years.

NRL playmaker AJ Brimson could well be the man who starts alongside Williams with the Gold Coast Titans man included as somewhat of a wildcard player who can cover a range of positions among the backs.

Both Daryl Clark and Jez Litten have been picked giving no clearer indication on who will start with both men featuring still a possibility.

It seems certain that Morgan Knowles will lock the pack but with five props, and three second-rowers including the versatile Owen Trout, it’s unclear who else will comprise England’s forward pack.

Of the 24-man squad selected for the three-Test series, Joe Burgess, Morgan Smithies, Kallum Watkins, Harry Newman and the aforementioned Smith have been left out with the remaining 19 picked to form a very strong squad for Saturday’s opener at Wembley.

There are still a number of decisions to be made but England fans now have an idea of what their side will look like come 2:30 pm on Saturday when the biggest rivalry in rugby league reignites once again.

England squad to face Australia at Wembley

John Bateman

AJ Brimson

Daryl Clark

Herbie Farnworth

Ethan Havard

Tom Johnstone

Morgan Knowles

Matty Lees

Mikey Lewis

Jez Litten

Mike McMeeken

Mikolaj Oledzki

Kai Pearce-Paul

Owen Trout

Alex Walmsley

Jake Wardle

Jack Welsby

George Williams

Dom Young

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👇 Shaun Wane has named his 19-player squad for Saturday’s @ABKbeer Ashes Opener at Wembley!

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 #EnglandRL pic.twitter.com/plb1SLLrCc

— England Rugby League (@England_RL) October 23, 2025