With the ABK Beer Rugby League Ashes Series already lost, Shaun Wane isn’t letting his team fade out quietly. On Wednesday, November 6, 2025, the England head coach unveiled a 19-player squad for the final, high-stakes clash against Australia at AMT Headingley Stadium in Leeds — a venue where history, noise, and heartbreak often collide. Kickoff is set for 2:30 PM UTC on Saturday, November 8, 2025. Australia leads the series 2-0 after crushing wins at Wembley and Everton Stadium. Now, the Kangaroos are one win away from a 3-0 whitewash. But for England, this isn’t about trophies anymore. It’s about pride.
Return of the Forgotten Warrior
The biggest surprise? The return of Joe Burgess. The 30-year-old Hull KR winger, whose explosive pace and try-scoring instinct helped his club win a treble in 2025, hasn’t worn the England jersey since the 2015 Ashes triumph over New Zealand. Back then, he was a 21-year-old rising star at Wigan Warriors. Now, he’s a seasoned pro with a point to prove. He replaces Dom Young, who fractured his foot in last Saturday’s 14-4 defeat — a game where England looked outclassed from the opening whistle. "Joe’s had a phenomenal season," Wane said. "He’s fast, fearless, and he knows how to finish. We need that kind of energy."Meanwhile, John Bateman, the Canberra Raiders powerhouse and England’s most consistent forward this series, remains sidelined after rolling his ankle ahead of the Second Test. His absence leaves a void in the middle, and Wane has turned to youth. Enter Harry Newman, the 23-year-old halfback who earned his third cap last weekend. He’ll make his first start at Headingley — a place where England fans have seen both glory and gut-wrenching losses over the decades.
The Headingley Factor
There’s something about AMT Headingley Stadium. The stands roar like a jet engine. The air smells of damp wool and roasted chestnuts. And every time England plays here in a high-stakes match, something unpredictable happens. In 2017, they stunned Australia in front of 22,000 fans. In 2023, they collapsed under pressure. This time, the crowd will be smaller — but no less intense. Wane knows it. "I’ve no doubt the England supporters will get behind us," he said. "And hopefully we can give them something to celebrate come Saturday evening."It’s not just about the fans. It’s about legacy. This is the first Ashes series in over 20 years. The last time these two teams met in a full Ashes contest, Tony Smith was coaching England, and Billy Slater was still playing for Australia. Now, the game has evolved — faster, bigger, more global. But the rivalry? It’s as raw as ever.
Australia’s Dominance and the Criticism Back Home
Australia’s victory in the Second Test wasn’t just a win — it was a statement. Two tries in four minutes early in the second half, courtesy of Cameron Munster and Hudson Young, sealed it. England failed to capitalize when Reece Walsh was sin-binned — a moment that became the defining failure of the series. The final score? 14-4. A humiliation by any standard.Back in Australia, coach Kevin Walters pushed back against media claims that the series was a "walk in the park." "Come over and walk with them," he told reporters, a subtle dig at the complacency some pundits displayed. Meanwhile, former international Brian Carney, now a Sky Sports pundit, didn’t hold back: "England looked paralyzed by fear. Wane’s selections? A disaster."
Wane, who’s led England since 2021, has weathered storms before. But this one? It’s personal. He’s spent four years rebuilding a team that had lost its identity. Now, with the Ashes gone, he’s fighting to rebuild something else: belief.
What’s at Stake Beyond the Scoreline
This isn’t just about avoiding a 3-0 sweep. It’s about the future of English rugby league. Only three players in the original 24-man squad had ever faced Australia before this series. That’s a damning statistic. It means England’s core is inexperienced. The next generation needs to prove they belong. Mikolaj Oledzki, the 25-year-old Leeds Rhinos prop, is one of them. He’s one of only three Rhinos players still in the squad — a sign that the club’s recent dominance in Super League is finally translating to international relevance.And then there’s Ethan Havard, the 24-year-old Wigan Warriors prop who’s been a quiet force throughout the series. With over 100 Super League appearances and three England caps, he’s the bridge between the old guard and the new. If England can hang tough in the middle third on Saturday, it’ll be because of him.
The final whistle will end the series. But the questions won’t. Why did England struggle so badly? Why were so many players unprepared for the intensity? And — most importantly — what changes are coming next? Wane won’t answer them now. But he’ll be watching every tackle, every missed pass, every dropped ball. Because this match isn’t just for the fans. It’s for the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Joe Burgess’s return such a big deal?
Burgess last played for England in 2015, when he was just 21 and a rising star at Wigan. Since then, he’s built a career as one of Super League’s most lethal wingers, helping Hull KR win a treble in 2025. His return brings much-needed pace and finishing power to a backline that’s struggled to break Australia’s defense. It’s also a symbolic nod to experience — a reminder that England still has players who’ve been in big moments.
What does Australia’s 2-0 lead mean for the future of the Ashes?
Australia’s dominance reinforces a troubling trend: England is falling further behind in player development and international readiness. The last Ashes series before 2025 was in 2003. With only three players in the original squad having faced Australia before, England’s lack of exposure is glaring. A 3-0 sweep would likely delay the next Ashes series for another decade — unless English rugby league invests heavily in elite competition and player pathways.
How has the venue, AMT Headingley Stadium, impacted past Ashes matches?
Headingley has hosted some of the most emotional moments in rugby league history. In 2017, England stunned Australia 18-14 in front of a raucous crowd — their first win over the Kangaroos in 13 years. But in 2023, the same venue became a stage for collapse, as England lost 36-12. The atmosphere can lift a team — or crush it. This time, the pressure is on England to deliver, not just for pride, but to prove they still belong on the world stage.
Why is John Bateman’s absence so critical?
Bateman is England’s most experienced forward and one of the few players who can match Australia’s physicality in the middle. His absence leaves a gap in both defense and ball-carrying, forcing younger players like Oledzki and Havard into bigger roles. Without him, England’s forward pack lacks the authority needed to control the game — a key reason they lost both previous tests by narrow margins despite having chances.
What’s the significance of the ABK Beer Ashes Series returning after 20 years?
The Ashes, originally a cricket rivalry, was adapted to rugby league in 1908. The series was last contested in 2003, with Australia winning 2-1. Its return in 2025 was meant to reignite interest in international rugby league. But with England struggling to compete, the series risks becoming a one-sided spectacle. For the sport’s long-term health, England needs to close the gap — or the Ashes may fade again into obscurity.
What happens next for England’s national team?
After the Ashes, England will focus on the 2026 Four Nations and the 2027 World Cup qualifiers. Wane has already signaled a generational shift: expect more players from Leeds Rhinos, Hull KR, and Wigan Warriors to be fast-tracked. But without a clear development pathway — and more high-stakes games against top-tier nations — progress will be slow. Saturday’s match isn’t the end. It’s the starting gun for a much longer race.
