The ABK Beer Ashes Series starts at the end of this month! But how are the England and Australia stars faring in their big games?
A handful of England stars were in action in the Betfred Super League Semi-Finals this weekend, as the countdown for the ABK Beer Ashes Series is well and truly on!
England will face Australia at Wembley Stadium in less than three weeks’ time, with Shaun Wane set to announce his playing squad next Monday (13 October) following the Betfred Super League Grand Final between Hull KR and Wigan Warriors on the Saturday (11 October).
On Friday night, England’s Wigan Warriors contingent were pivotal in helping their side reach a record-equalling 14th Grand Final.
Ethan Havard and Luke Thompson completed 30 tackles apiece in Wigan’s blood and thunder battle with the Leigh Leopards, while Liam Marshall and Jake Wardle made metres for fun, with the pair totalling up 262, as well as six tackle busts.
And there was some smart rugby to be seen from halfback Harry Smith who had 21 kicks in general play and guided the Warriors around the pitch.
In defeat, Leigh props Owen Trout and Robbie Mulhern impressed. Although Trout had a try disallowed in the early stages, he racked up 40 tackles against the champions.
Similarly, Mulhern made 43 tackles but in a magnificent 58-minute stint. He also was the Leopards' only scorer of the evening – coming up with his first try in over 18 months.
Magic Mikey Lewis was on the scoresheet in Hull KR’s semi-final victory on Saturday. James Batchelor and Jez Litten also enjoyed strong performances with an immense 30 and 33 tackles respectively.
Captain Elliot Minchella led from the front, steering his Robins to a second successive Grand Final appearance and 80 minutes from a historic treble.
For Saints, the likes of Daryl Clark, Morgan Knowles and Matty Lees were outstanding, as the trio together produced 123 tackles.
England's future talent, Harry Robertson, also shone in his side’s loss with some electric attack on show. He also came up with a late consolation try, highlighting that he will never go down without a fight.
Focus now switches to Super League's finale at Old Trafford next weekend, but who will be crowned champions? Join us for Rugby League's biggest night and get your tickets here.
Over in the NRL, their season is wrapped up, as a thrilling Grand Final between Melbourne Storm and Brisbane Broncos took place on Sunday.
Reece Walsh starred in the Broncos’ win with a try, three try assists and four-line breaks, earning the Clive Churchill Medal as Player of the Match.
His teammate, Gehamat Shibasaki, was a two-try scorer on Sunday, his second being an epic match-winner.
Both are certain to feature in the upcoming Ashes series, with Australia head coach Kevin Walters having announced his 24-man Kangaroos squad overnight. Click here to see.
Rivalries will be reignited when England take on Australia in the ABK Beer Rugby League Ashes THIS 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.
