England squad to face Australia: Hull KR trio named in Ashes party as Jake Connor misses out

Estimated reading time: 6–8 minutes

  • England rugby league squad announced for the Ashes series against Australia.
  • Hull KR players Mikey Lewis, Jez Litten, and Joe Burgess included.
  • Notable omission: Jake Connor, despite being Man of Steel.
  • The series marks the first Ashes contest since 2003.
  • Key tactical approaches and matchups will significantly influence the series outcome.

Introduction

England rugby league squad selection for the upcoming Ashes series against Australia has generated significant excitement and debate following head coach Shaun Wane’s announcement of his final 24-man party. In a move that highlights the depth of talent available, Wane has included Hull KR’s Grand Final-winning trio of Mikey Lewis, Jez Litten, and Joe Burgess, while notably omitting Super League’s Man of Steel winner Jake Connor due to fierce competition in the halves positions.

England Rugby League Squad: Ashes Series Selection Breakdown

The autumn Test series marks the first Ashes contest since 2003, reviving one of rugby league’s most storied rivalries. The selected England rugby league squad represents a blend of experienced international campaigners and exciting new talent, with particular attention on the six NRL-based players who have made the cut. This England rugby league lineup appears strategically designed to counter Australia’s formidable strengths while capitalizing on specific tactical opportunities.

Full England RL Squad 2022 Analysis

The complete England rugby league squad for the Ashes series includes:

  • Backs: AJ Brimson (Gold Coast Titans), Dom Young (Newcastle Knights), Tommy Makinson (St Helens), Herbie Farnworth (Brisbane Broncos), Joe Burgess (Hull KR), Mikey Lewis (Hull KR), George Williams (Warrington Wolves, captain), Harry Smith (Wigan Warriors)
  • Forwards: John Bateman (West Tigers), Morgan Smithies (Canberra Raiders), Kai Pearce-Paul (Newcastle Knights), Matty Lees (St Helens), Mike Cooper (Wigan Warriors), Mikolaj Oledzki (Leeds Rhinos), Luke Thompson (Canterbury Bulldogs), Victor Radley (Sydney Roosters), Jez Litten (Hull KR), Daryl Clark (Warrington Wolves)
  • Utility Players: Ben Currie (Warrington Wolves), Joe Philbin (Warrington Wolves), Sam Lisone (Leeds Rhinos)

This England rugby league world cup squad selection demonstrates Shaun Wane’s preference for players in strong form heading into the series, with the Hull KR contingent receiving particular recognition for their Grand Final performance. The composition suggests a focus on mobile forwards and creative halves capable of challenging Australia’s defensive structures.

Notable Inclusions and Omissions

The most discussed aspect of this England rugby league squad announcement revolves around both who made the team and who didn’t. The inclusion of Hull KR’s Mikey Lewis, Jez Litten, and Joe Burgess rewards their exceptional club form and provides specific tactical options against the Australians.

Meanwhile, the absence of Jake Connor has sparked considerable debate. Despite winning Super League’s prestigious Man of Steel award, Connor found himself squeezed out by the combination of captain George Williams, Harry Smith, and Mikey Lewis in the halves. This decision highlights the incredible depth currently available in English rugby league and the specific qualities Wane values for this contest.

The selection of AJ Brimson, who recently switched allegiance from Australia, represents a significant coup for the England rugby league world cup squad ambitions. His familiarity with Australian players and systems could prove invaluable in preparing for the series. Similarly, the inclusion of NRL-based players Dom Young, Kai Pearce-Paul, Herbie Farnworth, John Bateman, and Morgan Smithies provides international experience against Australian opposition.

Tactical Approach and Potential Lineup

Analyzing this England rugby league squad reveals several potential tactical approaches Wane might employ throughout the three-match series. The balance between NRL experience and Super League form suggests a team capable of adapting to different game situations.

The halves combination presents the most intriguing selection dilemma. Captain George Williams brings leadership and organizational skills, while Harry Smith offers creative kicking options. Mikey Lewis provides X-factor and unpredictability that could trouble Australia’s disciplined defensive structures. This depth contrasts sharply with concerns about Australia’s preparation following news that Pat Cummins injury could sideline him for their entire cricket Ashes series (Pat Cummins injury: Australia captain a doubt for entire Ashes series after latest scans on lower back).

In the forwards, the combination of John Bateman’s aggression, Morgan Smithies’ work rate, and Victor Radley’s ball-playing ability creates a versatile pack capable of matching Australia’s physicality. The hooking rotation between Jez Litten and Daryl Clark offers different tactical approaches, with Litten’s service from dummy-half potentially crucial against the aggressive Australian defensive line.

Key Battles and Matchups

Several individual matchups could determine the series outcome. The battle between the England halves and Australia’s defensive structures will be particularly compelling, especially given the omission of Jake Connor in favor of the selected combination. The England rugby league lineup in the backs will need to contain Australia’s potent attacking weapons, requiring disciplined defensive performances from players like Herbie Farnworth and Dom Young.

The forward exchanges will prove equally crucial, with players like John Bateman and Morgan Smithies needing to neutralize Australia’s powerful running game. The bench composition and rotation strategy could prove decisive in tight contests, particularly in the latter stages of matches when fatigue becomes a factor.

Comparison to Previous England Squads

This England rugby league squad differs notably from previous international selections, particularly the England knights rugby league development teams and earlier world cup squads. The increased representation of NRL-based players reflects the growing recognition of the competition’s standard and the value of experience against Australian opposition.

When compared to the rugby league world cup 2022 England squad, this selection shows evolution in several positions, with younger players like Mikey Lewis and Kai Pearce-Paul pushing out more established names. This gradual transition suggests a strategic building process toward future international competitions while maintaining competitiveness in current series.

Preparation and Training Considerations

The England rugby league squad will undergo an intensive preparation period before the first Test at Wembley on October 25. This training block must address several key areas, including defensive cohesion, attacking structures, and developing strategies to counter Australia’s specific strengths.

The coaching staff, led by Shaun Wane, will need to quickly integrate the NRL-based players with their Super League counterparts, developing understanding and combinations in a limited timeframe. This challenge mirrors concerns raised in other sports about adequate preparation for Australian conditions (The Ashes 2025/26: Lord Ian Botham concerned about England’s preparation ahead of first Test against Australia).

Potential Impact Players

Within the selected England rugby league squad, several players possess the ability to significantly influence series outcomes. Mikey Lewis brings improvisation and attacking flair that could trouble organized defenses, while AJ Brimson’s experience with Australian systems provides unique insights. Dom Young’s aerial ability and finishing skills offer potent attacking options, particularly from cross-field kicks and set plays.

In the forwards, Victor Radley’s ball-playing capability from the middle could create opportunities against tiring defenses, while John Bateman’s aggression and line-running provide go-forward in crucial moments. These impact players will need to perform at their best throughout the series to challenge Australia’s dominance.

Fan Engagement and Viewing Opportunities

The return of the Ashes series has generated tremendous excitement among rugby league supporters, with tickets for the Wembley Test in high demand. For fans unable to attend in person, comprehensive broadcast coverage will be available through various providers. To ensure you don’t miss any of the action from this historic England rugby league squad appearance, contact our streaming experts at Showmira for optimal viewing options (Watch the Ashes series here).

Despite injury concerns affecting Australian teams in other sports (England’s Brook wary of Australia despite Cummins injury concern), the rugby league squad arrives at full strength, setting the stage for a compelling contest.

Future Implications

Performance in this Ashes series could have significant implications for future England rugby league squad selections, particularly with World Cup considerations on the horizon. Strong performances from younger players like Mikey Lewis and Kai Pearce-Paul could cement their international futures, while established stars have opportunities to solidify their positions ahead of upcoming tournaments.

The development pathway through England knights rugby league appears to be functioning effectively, with several graduates making the step up to full international honors. This bodes well for the long-term health of the international setup and future England rugby league world cup squad aspirations.

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FAQ Section

Who is in the England rugby league squad for the Ashes series?

The 24-man squad includes Hull KR’s Grand Final-winning trio of Mikey Lewis, Jez Litten, and Joe Burgess, alongside six NRL-based players including AJ Brimson, Dom Young, Kai Pearce-Paul, Herbie Farnworth, John Bateman, and Morgan Smithies. Captain George Williams leads the team.

Why was Jake Connor omitted from the England squad?

Despite winning Super League’s Man of Steel award, Jake Connor missed selection due to intense competition in the halves positions, where George Williams, Harry Smith, and Mikey Lewis were preferred. The selection decision highlights the depth currently available in English rugby league.

When does the Ashes series begin?

The three-match series kicks off at Wembley Stadium on October 25, with subsequent matches scheduled throughout November. This marks the first Ashes contest since 2003 when Australia swept Great Britain 3-0.

How can I watch the Ashes series?

Comprehensive broadcast coverage will be available through various providers. For optimal viewing options and technical support, contact Showmira’s streaming specialists (Get streaming support here) to ensure you don’t miss any of the action.

What are England’s chances in the Ashes series?

The selected England rugby league squad represents a strong combination of experience and emerging talent, with particular strength in the halves and outside backs. However, Australia remains formidable opposition, making for a compelling contest that could hinge on key individual matchups and tactical decisions.

Conclusion

The announcement of this England rugby league squad sets the stage for a fascinating Ashes series revival after nearly two decades. The inclusion of form players like the Hull KR trio and the difficult decision to omit Jake Connor demonstrates the selection philosophy underpinning Shaun Wane’s approach. As preparation intensifies ahead of the Wembley Test, the balance between NRL experience and Super League form will be tested against quality Australian opposition. For comprehensive coverage of all matches and expert analysis of this England rugby league squad throughout the series, ensure you have the right viewing setup by contacting Showmira’s technical team (Optimize your viewing experience). The stage is set for a memorable contest that could redefine international rugby league rivalries for years to come.