Plenty of England players were in action in the Betfred Super League’s Rivals Round Returns at the weekend…but who were some of the standout performers?
It’s less than 50 days to go until England face Australia in the first ABK Beer Ashes test at Wembley Stadium, which means there’s more focus than ever on how individuals are performing in the trophy part of the season.
Leeds Rhinos’ England contingent shone in Rivals Round Returns.
Morgan Gannon produced another stellar showing – one try, 102 metres in 13 carries, four tackle busts and 20 tackles.
The 21-year-old has really stepped up in 2025 and has been a huge part of Leeds’ impressive recent form.
The likes of James McDonnell, Harry Newman and Mikolaj Oledzki also starred last Thursday.
Together, they made a whopping total of 408 metres, with Oledzki and Newman scoring the opening and closing try of the match.
Brad Arthur has certainly got his Leeds Rhinos playing like livewire – exactly the type of energy required to take on the Australians this autumn.
On Friday Night, there were England stars littered across the pitch at the Totally Wicked Stadium.
St Helens and Wigan Warriors locked horns in The Derby – in a scintillating and sold-out spectacle that didn’t disappoint.
Jake Wardle and Liam Marshall combined on their lethal left edge, scoring a try each and making a combined total of nine tackle busts.
It was Junior Nsemba who produced the outrageous try assist for Marshall.
Powerhouse prop Luke Thompson made his eagerly anticipated return to the field against his former club on Friday after spending the last two months in the treatment room with a calf injury.
In a 24-minute stint, Thompson wasted no time in getting back to it, with 34 metres, 19 tackles and one tackle bust.
General Harry Smith enjoyed a fine kicking game with 15 kicks in general play and a perfect record with the tee, converting three from three. Young Ethan Havard also stool tall with 34 tackles.
In defeat, Daryl Clark was St Helens’ Mr. Consistent with another impressive defensive display of 37 tackles.
Although on the losing side, Jack Welsby’s looping ball to Deon Cross who touched down in the corner had fans watching in awe – will he replicate that sort of play in the upcoming Ashes?
These players know exactly how to perform in front of huge crowds, and it’s only going to get even bigger when they walk out at Wembley, Everton and Headingley in the next two months!
Jez Litten and Mikey Lewis starred in Derby Day. Lewis, who has the heart of a lion, proved to be pivotal in Hull KR’s victory over their nearest and dearest with 120 metres, eight tackle busts and 20 tackles.
Likewise, Litten stood up with 27 tackles, 67 metres in eight carries, and seven tackle busts.
In the NRL, players are preparing for Play-Off rugby.
Victor Radley made the most tackles out of any of his teammates (28) in their final round win over Sydney Rabbitohs. His focus will now turn to Finals Week when Sydney Roosters face Cronulla Sharks away from home.
Similarly, Morgan Smithies made the most tackles in his side’s defeat to the Dolphins (42).
The Raiders had already secured the Minor Premiership the week before, so were resting stars ahead of Finals Week where they will host Brisbane Broncos.
Fans will be pleased that hear that Herbie Farnworth was named in the Dolphins' extended squad - for the first time since a hamstring injury he picked up in Round 22.
However, the star centre was not required after their Finals hopes were scuppered with Radley's Roosters winning two days before to clinch eighth spot in the ladder.
That aside, it shows that Farnworth is fit and well on target for a return to action in the Ashes...exciting!
Dom Young and Kai Pearce-Paul played their last game of 2025 as Newcastle Knights finished bottom of the pile.
Rivalries will be reignited when England take on Australia in the ABK Beer Rugby League Ashes this autumn. The two nations will meet in a three-match test series over 20 years in the making and with the second and third test completely SOLD OUT; Wembley Stadium on Saturday 25 October is your only place to watch this fierce rivalry live!
Book your Wembley tickets here with prices starting from just £20 for adults and £10 for U16’s.
