It's nearly one month to go until England face Australia in the opening test at Wembley Stadium, but how have some of their stars been performing?
The Play-Offs loom for most of England’s Betfred Super League contingent as they look to put their best foot forward for Ashes selection.
Leigh host Wakefield in the first Play-Off Eliminator on Friday Night. Leopards’ front rowers Robbie Mulhern and Owen Trout will be hoping to impress in their pursuit of an Ashes call up. They’re set to go head-to-head with Trinity and England middle forward Mike McMeeken, who was this week named in the 2025 Super League Dream Team after a storming first season at Wakefield.
McMeeken’s Wakefield teammate Tom Johnstone is also in action on Friday as he looks to break back into the England squad after missing last year’s test series against Samoa through injury.
On Saturday, Leeds host St Helens in the second Play-Off Eliminator clash. Morgan Knowles is expected to make a timely return for the Saints after missing the last two due to a head knock. Knowles – who departs St Helens at the end of the season – earned a spot in the 2025 Dream Team after another impressive season in the Red V.
England trio Jack Welsby, Matty Lees and Daryl Clark will also feature for the Saints – the trio have been integral to Shaun Wane’s England squad in recent years as they look to end the year on a high for club and country.
For the Rhinos, Harry Newman will be hoping to make his mark on the Play-Offs amidst strong competition in England’s centre position. Newman has proven his ability on the international stage in recent years as he aims to retain his spot in Shaun Wane’s squad.
In the NRL, all of England’s Australian based players have exited the Finals series, but there are plenty of Australian stars still on show.
A Nathan Cleary a masterclass against the Bulldogs helped Penrith progress to the Semi-Finals. Cleary, Isaah Yeo, Dylan Edwards and Lindsay Smith will all be hopeful of Australia call ups as they look to secure an unprecedented fifth NRL title in successive years with the Panthers.
Standing in the Panthers way is a Broncos side hoping to avenge their heart-breaking 2023 Grand Final loss to the reigning Champions. Reece Walsh, who has been in scintillating form in recent months, is firmly in the picture for a Kangaroos call up at seasons end.
On the other side of the draw, Cronulla Sharks take on a Melbourne Storm side littered with international experience. Harry Grant, Cameron Munster and Xavier Coates have all featured heavily for the Kangaroos in recent seasons, and will be shoe ins for Kevin Walters should they end the season unscathed.
Rivalries will be reignited when England take on Australia in the ABK Beer Rugby League Ashes next month. 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
