How did the England Hull KR and Wigan Warriors contingent perform at Old Trafford on Saturday?
The hotly anticipated ABK Beer Rugby League Ashes series is almost upon us and following England Head Coach Shaun Wane’s squad announcement earlier today, we now know which players will face Australia in the coming weeks.
Six players are from the Hull KR and Wigan Warriors sides who competed in the 2025 Betfred Super League Grand Final on Saturday.
Here is a quick look at how those players performed on the big stage…
Hull KR made history by becoming just the fifth team to lift the Super League trophy – and are the first new winners in 21 years.
They have also completed an astonishing treble after picking up the Challenge Cup and League Leaders’ Shield earlier on in the year – again only the fifth club in the Super League era to do so.
Magic Mikey Lewis had a night to remember for the new champions, as he became the second ever recipient of the Rob Burrow Award, on what was fittingly, his 150th career appearance.
His Player of the Match performance consisted of a try, 122 metres, five tackle busts and important involvement in Joe Burgess’ first score.
Lewis also produced fourteen kicks in general play, kicking the former champions to death in this year’s Grand Final.
Playing his brilliant best and shining under the lights of Old Trafford, he was selected as the worthy winner for the individual award.
Hull KR winger Burgess has returned to the England side for the first time since 2015.
He was the man of the hour on Saturday, scoring two of the Robins' tries, including the match-winner on 78 minutes.
His form has been electric in 2025, and he is awarded an Ashes-call up on the back of those efforts.
Jez Litten is third Robin to be named in Wane’s Ashes squad and starred in Saturday's Grand Final with a try and 31 tackles.
Litten’s impact in his 64 minute stint was phenomenal, as he started and finished the play which led to his team's third try of the night, and completed some crucial tackles to keep the Warriors at bay.
Will England’s Hull KR contingent be lining up together against the Kangaroos in less than two weeks’ time?
In defeat, Ethan Havard impressed in his third consecutive Grand Final with the Warriors, making 27 tackles in 42 minutes.
Havard has been a consistent defender in 2025 and Wane will need players he can rely on to perform at the highest level against Australia.
General Harry Smith produced 15 kicks in general play, while centre Jake Wardle made four tackle busts, although they couldn't quite overcome the Robins this time round, and were unable to retain their title.
As the Betfred Super League concludes for 2025, attention now fully turns to the ABK Beer Rugby League Ashes Series.
Have you got your tickets for the opening test at Wembley Stadium yet? You won't want to miss it!
See the England squad here.
See Australia's squad here.
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.
The three-game Ashes Series will also be shown live on the BBC.
