The ABK Beer Ashes Series will conclude this weekend – with the third and final Test happening at AMT Headingley Stadium in Leeds (K.O. 2:30pm).
Returning to the heartlands, Headingley, the home of Super League’s Leeds Rhinos, is a ground with a strong rugby league connection, and one that is steeped in the sport’s history and heritage, having hosted a long list of international fixtures including twelve Ashes Tests.
Test Three will be played in front of another sell-out crowd, with England hoping to end the Ashes Series on a high.
Australia retained the Ashes for a 14th consecutive time following their 14-4 victory at Everton’s magnificent new Hill Dickinson Stadium last weekend.
A much-improved England threw everything they had at their Southern Hemisphere rivals, but would come up agonisingly short, as Kevin Walters’ Kangaroos scored two quick fire tries early in the second half, before their defence held tight in the closing stages.
Shaun Wane’s side will now be doing everything they can to ensure they can finish the series 2-1 on a familiar rugby league fortress.
In the past two seasons, Headingley has hosted the series closers of the Tonga and Samoa tours in 2023 and 2024, in which England came out worthy winners.
The Kangaroos are no strangers to the iconic Headingley, however, having taken to this field a total of 35 times since 1908.
Most recently, Australia played at Headingley in their Rugby League World Cup opener against Fiji in 2022.
Josh Addo-Carr completed a double that day, with Angus Crichton and Harry Grant also on the scoresheet. Playmaker Cameron Munster also produced a Player of the Match Performance under the Leeds lights for the World Champions.
For England, there were plenty of positives to take from the second Ashes Test match, despite being able to muster a score.
Wingers Tom Johnstone and Dom Young produced 17 tackle busts combined on their respective edges, with Johnstone also running for 120 metres.
AJ Brimson impressed on debut at full-back, with four tackle busts and 83 metres, while Jez Litten, Kai Pearce-Paul and Kallum Watkins completed 33 tackles each and Morgan Knowles topped the England tackling charts with 41 – in what was an outstanding defensive effort against the Aussies.
Evertonian Harry Smith also kicked two from two with the boot.
The third Test match will fall on Remembrance weekend, with Remembrance commemorations set to take place.
The England team will also wear a limited-edition poppy-inspired shirt to honour the service and sacrifice of the Armed Forces, in a unique and powerful tribute to those who have served and continue to serve the nation.
Fans still have time to purchase England's poppy shirt ahead of Saturday, by clicking here.
Will you be there to show your pride and passion and cheer on England in the third and final test?
The game will be available to watch live on BBC One from 230pm with build-up from 2pm.
Leeds Teams:
England: AJ Brimson, Joe Burgess, Daryl Clark, Herbie Farnworth, Tom Johnstone, Morgan Knowles, Matty Lees, Mikey Lewis, Jez Litten, Mike McMeeken, Harry Newman, Mikolaj Oledzki, Kai Pearce-Paul, Harry Smith, Morgan Smithies, Owen Trout, Alex Walmsley, Kallum Watkins, George Williams (c)
Australia: 1. Reece Walsh, 2. Mark Nawaqanitawase, 3. Kotoni Staggs, 4. Gehamat Shibasaki, 5. Josh Addo-Carr, 6. Cameron Munster, 7. Nathan Cleary, 8. Patrick Carrigan, 9. Harry Grant, 10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, 11. Angus Crichton, 12. Hudson Young, 13. Isaah Yeo (c), 14. Tom Dearden, 15. Lindsay Collins, 16. Reuben Cotter, 17. Keaon Koloamatangi, 18. Bradman Best, 19. Lindsay Smith, 20. Mitchell Moses
The ABK Beer Ashes Series concludes on Saturday 8 November as the Third Test takes place at AMT Headingley Stadium in Leeds (K.O. 2:30pm).
It’s a complete sell-out, with Shaun Wane's England side looking to finish the series on a high!
The match will also be available to watch live on BBC One, with information on overseas coverage available here.
