The first Rugby League Ashes Test in 22 years took place at Wembley Stadium on Saturday, in front of a record UK Ashes crowd of 60,812.
This is the best attendance for an Ashes Test match on English soil since the opening Test match at Wembley in 1994.
An intense but scrappy affair unfolded in the first half of the first series since 2003, as rivalries were reignited between the two nations for the first time since the 2017 Rugby League World Cup.
But it was Australia who have taken the spoils in the opening Test, drawing first blood through their star full-back Reece Walsh, as he dived over on his international debut for the Green and Golds.
England did push their opponents all the way in the opening half, but too many missed opportunities were had.
The visitors' lead was later extended by a penalty goal from the world’s best Nathan Cleary, and the Aussies went on to dominate despite losing their captain Isaah Yeo early on with a failed Head Injury Assessment.
The score-line read 0-8 to Kevin Walters' Kangaroos at half-time.
And it was to be Australia’s afternoon in the capital with Angus Crichton the man of the hour with a second half brace, and Cleary once again adding the extras.
Walsh, a standout performer on the hallowed turf, then joined his teammate by completing a double on the 71st minute to seal a solid victory for his side.
But Shaun Wane’s men ensured they wouldn’t be leaving London scoreless, as Daryl Clark spotted a gap in the defence and scooted over the line, showing encouraging signs of what England can do.
It was too little too late, however, with England’s adventure at Wembley Stadium ending in defeat.
The hosts will now look to right their wrongs next weekend, as the ABK Beer Ashes Series heads to Liverpool next Saturday (1 November), with the Second Test at Everton’s sold-out Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Wembley Test:
England: Jack Welsby, Dom Young, Herbie Farnworth, Jake Wardle, Tom Johnstone, George Williams, Mikey Lewis, Ethan Havard, Daryl Clark, Matty Lees, John Bateman, Kai Pearce-Paul, Morgan Knoles. Subs: Jez Litten, Alex Walmsley, Owen Trout, Mike McMeeken
Tries: Clark
Goals: Lewis (1/1)
Australia: Reece Walsh, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Kotoni Staggs, Gehamat Shibaski, Josh Addo-Carr, Cameron Munster, Nathan Cleary, Patrick Carrigan, Harry Grant, Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, Angus Crichton, Hudson Young, Isaah Yeo. Subs: Tom Dearden, Lindsay Collins, Reuben Cotter, Keaon Koloamatangi
Tries: Walsh (2), Crichton (2)
Goals: Cleary (5/5)
Half-time: 0-8
Full-time: 6-26
Attendance: 60,812
Referee: Liam Moore
