England Head Coach Shaun Wane has announced his 24-player squad for the historic return of the ABK Beer Rugby League Ashes, marking the first edition of the iconic series in over 50 years.
After a standout performance in the Betfred Super League Grand Final, scoring two tries, Hull KR winger Joe Burgess makes his long-awaited return to the national side, his first England call-up since 2015.
He has joined by Rob Burrow Award winner Mikey Lewis and fellow treble-winning Robin Jez Litten, completing a strong Hull KR trio.
From the NRL, Gold Coast Titans fullback AJ Brimson earns selection after switching his international allegiance to England earlier this year through his mother’s heritage.
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Also featuring from the NRL are Newcastle Knights duo Dom Young and Kai Pearce-Paul, Dolphins centre Herbie Farnworth, North Queensland’s John Bateman, and Canberra Raiders’ Morgan Smithies, who helped the Raiders secure the Minor Premiership.
Leigh Leopards forward Owen Trout has been rewarded for his impressive form throughout 2025 with a potential England debut in the Ashes series.
Veterans Kallum Watkins and Alex Walmsley return to the England fold after extended absences from international rugby league.
St Helens lead the way for club representation with five players named, while Wigan Warriors, Leeds Rhinos, and Hull KR each contribute three.
Wakefield Trinity duo Mike McMeeken and Tom Johnstone are also included, with England captain George Williams the sole representative from the Warrington Wolves.
England Squad for the 2025 ABK Beer Rugby League Ashes
John Bateman (North Queensland Cowboys)
AJ Brimson (Gold Coast Titans)
Joe Burgess (Hull KR)
Daryl Clark (St Helens)
Herbie Farnworth (Dolphins)
Ethan Havard (Wigan Warriors)
Morgan Knowles (St Helens)
Matty Lees (St Helens)
Mikey Lewis (Hull KR)
Jez Litten (Hull KR)
Mike McMeeken (Wakefield Trinity)
Harry Newman (Leeds Rhinos)
Mikolaj Oledzki (Leeds Rhinos)
Tom Johnstone (Wakefield Trinity)
Kai Pearce-Paul (Wests Tigers)
Harry Smith (Wigan Warriors)
Morgan Smithies (Canberra Raiders)
Owen Trout (Leigh Leopards)
Alex Walmsley (St Helens)
Jake Wardle (Wigan Warriors)
Kallum Watkins (Leeds Rhinos)
Jack Welsby (St Helens)
George Williams (Warrington Wolves)
Dominic Young (Newcastle Knights)