After over two decades of being in the rugby league wilderness, the Ashes will return later this year with Australia and England resuming hostilities.
Shaun Wane’s side will host the three matches on home soil against the all-conquering Kangaroos, who are the current World Cup and Pacific Cup holders.
The hosts won’t be an easy opponent though after they have gone unbeaten since their shock loss to Samoa at the World Cup.
The highly-anticipated series will start with a showpiece event at Wembley Stadium in late October, before eventually concluding three weeks later up in Leeds.
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"I like rewarding success," Mal Meninga said during a press conference to announce the return of the international Test series.
"We had a change of crew last year in the Pacific Championships and I was really pleased with the way all of them played. Obviously, I like to be loyal but a lot can happen in the next nine months."
Indeed, Meninga has since been appointed as the inaugural coach of the Perth Bears, with former Queensland and Brisbane mentor Kevin Walters taking the reins for the three-match series.
Australia predicted side for the Ashes Test vs England
1. Dylan Edwards
2. Zac Lomax
3. Tom Trbojevic
4. Bradman Best
5. Xavier Coates
6. Cameron Munster
7. Nathan Cleary
8. Lindsay Collins
9. Harry Grant
10. Patrick Carrigan
11. Angus Crichton
12. Reuben Cotter
13. Isaah Yeo
14. Tom Dearden
15. Tino Fa'asuamaleaui
16. Max King
17. Hudson Young
Kangaroos latest team news:
Dylan Edwards claimed the No.1 jersey last year off James Tedesco and is the early favourite to keep his spot. Although Reece Walsh could also factor into Walters' thinking, given his past Broncos links.
Kalyn Ponga has been struck down with a long-term foot injury and is unlikely to be in the frame for selection.
Xavier Coates and Zac Lomax were impressive on the wings and will be expected to hold down their positions.
Tom Trbojevic will likely be one of the first names on the teamsheet, regardless of his Manly form, after playing several blinders for his national side last year.
Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow will not play international rugby league this summer after sustaining a medial ligament injury. In his place, Bradman Best could bag a spot in the centres.
However, Latrell Mitchell will also inevitably come into contention in the centres, if he is fit and available.
Tom Dearden and Mitch Moses could be replaced by Cameron Munster and Nathan Cleary in the halves, if the duo avoid injury issues which wiped out their international chances last year.
Dearden is likely to earn a place on the bench though as the utility after starring for the Maroons this year, while Moses will more than likely be included in the extended squad.
Payne Haas missed the Pacific Championships last year due to injury and has now delivered a major blow to the Aussies by deciding to switch his allegiance to Samoa.
Tino Fa'asuamaleaui, who missed almost the entire year in 2024 after tearing his ACL, is also in doubt as he weighs up his international future.
Liam Martin was initially picked but was then ruled out of the Pacific Championships with various injury complaints. The backrower is set to miss this year's international slate as he stays home to be with his pregnant partner.
Reuben Cotter, Hudson Young and Jacob Preston are likely to be left battling it out for a place on the edge. Kurt Capewell could also be a dark horse, if Walters wants to go with experience like Billy Slater did in Origin.
Isaah Yeo is the captain and obvious choice at lock with Pat Carrigan starting at prop. Meanwhile, Cameron Murray will be picked in the squad if he returns to play for South Sydney this season.
The vice-captain, Harry Grant, is a lock to take the No.9 jersey ahead of the likes of Reece Robson and Blayke Brailey. The latter is likely to earn a spot in the extended squad though due to his stellar form.
The race for the utility spot on the bench includes the likes of Dearden, Matt Burton and Connor Watson.
Walters revealed that Ethan Strange is also in the frame for selection in the squad after impressing for Canberra.
Lindsay Smith and Max King are set to be in the conversation for bench roles.
Mitch Barnett is a big loss in the pack after he went down with an ACL injury following the Origin opener.
Who featured for Australia the last time they played a rugby league Test match?
The Aussies beat Tonga 20-14 in the final of the Pacific Cup last year to lift the trophy for the first time at the second time of asking.
Meninga had a patched together squad with a number of big-name absentees allowing fresh blood to get a run in the tournament.
Dylan Edwards started at fullback after usurping previous captain James Tedesco, while Zac Lomax starred on the wing. Xavier Coates, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Tom Trbojevic made up the rest of the outside backs.
In the halves, Tom Dearden and Mitch Moses steered the team around the park with Nathan Cleary and Cameron Munster ruled out.
Patrick Carrigan and Lindsay Collins started in the engine room, with an entire backrow comprised of New South Wales forwards: Angus Crichton, Hudson Young and Isaah Yeo.
The Penrith lock skippered the side with support coming from vice-captain and hooker, Harry Grant.
Matt Burton acted as the utility for the Kangaroos, with Mitch Barnett, Reuben Cotter and Lindsay Smith joining him on the pine. Meanwhile, Ben Hunt was the 18th man.