Rugby League Ashes Returns After 22-Year Hiatus, England Face Uphill Battle Against Dominant Australia

Strategic Insights -

As the rugby league Ashes series returns to the sport for the first time in 22 years, England host Australia at Wembley Stadium in the first of a three-match series. The last time an Ashes series was contested in the 13-man code was in 2003, when Australia defeated Great Britain 3-0. England, led by Shaun Wane, are looking to spring a massive upset against a kangaroo side that has lost just one match since 2019 and was on a record streak of 13 straight Ashes series wins before the hiatus.

Key Takeaways:

  • The rugby league Ashes series has returned to the sport for the first time in 22 years, with England hosting Australia at Wembley Stadium in the first of a three-match series.
  • England, led by Shaun Wane, face a significant challenge against a dominant Australia side that has lost just one match since 2019 and was on a record streak of 13 straight Ashes series wins before the hiatus.
  • Australia's starting team includes Reece Walsh, Mark Nawaqanitawase, and Gehamat Shibasaki, all of whom have earned a spot in the starting lineup after impressive performances in the NRL.
  • England's team features several new faces, including Mikey Lewis, AJ Brimson, and Owen Trout, who are in line for international debuts, while Alex Walmsley could make his first England appearance since 2021.
  • The match will be shown live on BBC One, BBC iPlayer, and the BBC Sport website, with coverage getting underway at 2pm.

Statistics:

  • The last Ashes series was contested in 2003, when Australia defeated Great Britain 3-0.
  • Australia has lost just one match since 2019, with only one loss in 33 matches.
  • The reigning champions are on a record streak of 13 straight Ashes series wins before the hiatus.
  • England has not defeated Australia in an Ashes series since 1981.
  • The match will take place at Wembley Stadium, London, with a kick-off time of 2:30pm BST on Saturday 25 October.

Sources:

  • Wane promises "a smash-up" between the sides as England face Australia in rugby league Ashes (1 BBC)
  • England face Ashes mountain but international rugby league set for long-awaited shot in the arm (1 BBC)
  • Australia team news: Reece Walsh starts at full-back for Ashes series against England (2 PA/ BBC)
  • England team news: Shaun Wane named 19-man squad for Ashes series against Australia (3 BBC)
  • How to watch England v Australia (4 BBC)