Shaun Wane names train-on England squad ahead of Ashes Tests with six new names included

Shaun Wane has named a train-on England squad ahead of this autumn’s Ashes series against Australia.

England will meet the Kangaroos three times through October and November, with two of those games already being sell outs. As such, the excitement and anticipation is already building and with around four months to go before the first Test, Wane has put together a 32-man squad of Super League players.

Harry Robertson is one of the notable new names included, with the youngster starring in St Helens’ back line this season. The youngster is versatile and can play in a number of positions across the spine and Wane will be keen to take a closer look at him when he has the chance.

Owen Trout is another new face on the international scene with the Leigh Leopards forward impressing with his performances across the Leopards pack in 2025. Those who have seen plenty of Leigh this season will know how key Trout has been for Adrian Lam’s side and he’s been rewarded for his opportunity.

Hull KR back-rower James Batchelor is deservedly called up, as are Leeds Rhinos pair James McDonnell and Morgan Gannon. George Delaney of St Helens features, too. Wane has also made the decision to include Danny Walker, Matty Ashton and Jack Welsby, despite their long-term injuries.

Notably there is no Jake Connor, though, despite the Leeds Rhinos man leading the Man of Steel rankings at present.

The group will be invited to a meet up on Tuesday, July 1, for an off-feet session.

Shaun Wane said: “It’s been hard finding chances for the players to get together in such a busy Super League season, so it will be good for them to spend some time together thinking about the challenges ahead.

“We’ve built a tight England spirit over the three years since the World Cup campaign, with successful home series against Tonga and Samoa, and staying in touch with all the players as I do, I know there’s a hunger and desperation to be involved against Australia at the end of this year.

“Bringing in some new faces who haven’t played for me before will show the competition for places that we have, especially when you add in the players we have available in the NRL – and I’ve always said it’s up to the players to show me what they can do with their performances on a weekly basis.”

Super League England Men Train-On Squad:

Matty Ashton (Warrington Wolves), James Batchelor (Hull KR), Daryl Clark (St Helens), Ben Currie (Warrington Wolves), George Delaney (St Helens), Morgan Gannon (Leeds Rhinos), Ash Handley (Leeds Rhinos), Ethan Havard (Wigan Warriors), James Harrison (Warrington Wolves), Tom Holroyd (Leeds Rhinos), Tom Johnstone (Wakefield Trinity), Morgan Knowles (St Helens), Matty Lees (St Helens), Jez Litten (Hull KR), Mikey Lewis (Hull KR), Liam Marshall (Wigan Warriors), James McDonnell (Leeds Rhinos), Mike McMeeken (Wakefield Trinity), Elliot Minchella (Hull KR), Robbie Mulhern (Leigh Leopards), Harry Newman (Leeds Rhinos), Junior Nsemba (Wigan Warriors), Mikolaj Oledzki (Leeds Rhinos), Brad O’Neill (Wigan Warriors), Harry Robertson (St Helens), Harry Smith (Wigan Warriors), Luke Thompson (Wigan Warriors), Owen Trout (Leigh Leopards), Danny Walker (Warrington Wolves), Jake Wardle (Wigan Warriors), Jack Welsby (St Helens), George Williams (Warrington Wolves).

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 #EnglandRL Men Head Coach Shaun Wane has invited 32 players from the @Betfred #SuperLeague to a session which is taking place tomorrow pic.twitter.com/i4jdf98dv4

— England Rugby League (@England_RL) June 30, 2025