Australia may be missing several big names, but the Kangaroos squad has still caught the attention of star struck England fans ahead of the first Ashes series in 22 years.
Announced yesterday, Kevin Walters’ 24-man squad will depart for Heathrow next Wednesday and the general consensus is Shaun Wane’s England side will do well to avoid a heavy series whitewash, even with a healthy smattering of NRL stars.
“We’ll be lucky if it’s only 0-3,” posted @SheffEaglesNews on X.
“This is gunna be a total demolition job. Absolute worlds apart,” replied @blakeykeenan.
Compounded by the withdrawal of Sydney Roosters enforcer Victor Radley, grave fears have been expressed about the ability of the English forwards to cope with an Australian pack brimming with power and skill.
‘We’re getting pumped 3 zip’
When England head coach Shaun Wane recently indicated 32-year-old North Queensland forward John Bateman—who he previously coached at Wigan—has ‘credits in the bank’ and is one player who he thinks can get the job done against the Australians, fans were far from enthused with accusations of favouritism flying thick and fast.
“Credit in the bank?? He’s not got any bloody form and shouldn't be anywhere near the squad!” declared one fan bluntly of Bateman.
“He’s not international class anymore,” said another.
“Wane is so biased towards Wigan or ex Wigan players it becomes more and more of a joke as the ashes become closer,” commented @leeatherton4.
“We’re getting pumped 3 zip… we’ve waited 22 years and should be picking players on form and not because they played for Wigan,” added @GaryOrmiston1.
Throw in a rampant Kangaroos backline likely to be headlined by Clive Churchill medalist Reece Walsh, and it seems the English will have their hands well and truly full come Wembley Stadium on October 25.
But rugby league matches are won on the field not social media and the hardest job for Kevin Walters may well be keeping his players focused on the task at hand following a long NRL season.