How are the England and Australia players performing in the Betfred Super League and NRL Play-Offs? It matters more towards the business of the season, as we eagerly count down to the ABK Beer Ashes Series next month...
The Betfred Super League Play-Offs got underway this weekend, with collection of England stars shining in the Eliminators.
Owen Trout and Robbie Mulhern impressed in the Leigh Leopards middles, making 30+ tackles each as they helped their side reach a second successive semi-final.
Do they deserve an Ashes call-up in less than a month’s time?
In defeat, Mike McMeeken and Tom Johnstone produced exceptional efforts. Johnstone made 110 metres and seven tackle busts, while a consistent McMeeken led by example with 36 tackles.
Both have been integral to Trinity’s success in their first year back to Super League – helping them to an impressive sixth-place finish.
As their domestic season comes to an end, both will be hoping to be a part of the international action against Australia this autumn.
On Saturday, there was a classic Play-Off tie between Leeds Rhinos and St Helens.
Harry Newman and James McDonnell produced powerful displays, but after giving it their all, nothing could prepare them for what would happen in the dying moments of the game.
All six England stars in the Red V were part of something special at AMT Headingley Stadium…
The breath-taking final play that won the game for Saints went through the hands of Daryl Clark, Harry Robertson and Jack Welsby, as St Helens recreated their famous ‘Wide to West’ moment to secure a place in the semi-finals.
Can the trio provide similar belief, determination and a 'never say die' attitude for England against the Aussies? Head coach Shaun Wane will hope so!
It was also a stellar 80-minute showing for Morgan Knowles, who, following Victor Radley’s recent announcement to withdraw from the Ashes, stands in good stead to start in the opening test at Wembley Stadium on Saturday 25 October.
A reliable Knowles knocked up 51 tackles – the highest of any player on the pitch.
Excitement is building, especially with Super League Semi-Finals taking place this weekend – and fans can watch England’s Hull KR and Wigan Warriors contingent in action.
Magic Mikey Lewis will be hoping to take his side to within 80 minutes of an astonishing treble and back-to-back Grand Final appearances, along with England and Robins teammates Elliot Minchella, James Batchelor and Jez Litten.
They will face St Helens at Sewell Group Craven Park on Saturday Night.
Before that, we will hopefully see all seven of Wigan's England stars feature for current Super League champions.
The Warriors will play Leigh under the Friday Night Lights for a place at Old Trafford as they look to defend their title for a third year running.
Expect to see Liam Marshall and Jake Wardle combing on that lethal left edge, Luke Thompson ripping it up, and general Harry Smith guiding his team around The Brick Community Stadium pitch.
Over in the NRL, Penrith Panthers’ remarkable reign finally came to an end as they were beaten in dramatic fashion by Brisbane Broncos in the Preliminary Finals.
Reece Walsh is a favourite to be named in the Australian squad next month, and his contribution to the Broncos’ victory was significant at the weekend.
Walsh raced 135 metres and kicked one conversion – although what a crucial two points this turned out to be, considering his side went on to win by just two points.
It was heartbreak for superstars Nathan Cleary, Isaah Yeo, Dylan Edwards and Lindsay Smith who have dominated with the Panthers for four years straight. As regular starters for their country, their focus will now turn to the upcoming Ashes series, if they are selected.
Joining the Broncos in the Grand Final, are Melbourne Storm after they defeated Cronulla Sharks.
Xavier Coates scored a late match-winner, with Cameron Munster and Harry Grant also producing electric performances.
Storm are a side littered with international experience, and these three are individuals who should be shoe-ins for Kelvin Walters’ Kangaroos.
But first, they have a job to do in the final on Sunday...
Rivalries will be reignited when England take on Australia in the ABK Beer Rugby League Ashes in less than a months time. 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.
