Ashes Defeat Raises Alarm Bells for England Rugby League
The third and final Ashes Test at Headingley this Saturday may be a dead rubber in terms of the series outcome, but for England's rugby league team, it represents something far more significant. This could be the last match Shaun Wane's side plays before next year's World Cup, making it crucial for addressing the fundamental questions that have emerged during this disappointing campaign.
A Missed Opportunity for English Rugby
Even the most optimistic officials at the Rugby Football League would concede this series has failed to meet expectations from an English perspective. Should Australia complete a series whitewash in Leeds, serious questions will hang over coach Shaun Wane's future and his ability to lead the team into the 2026 World Cup.
While players remain supportive of Wane and the RFL shows no indication of considering a change, this series ultimately feels like a significant missed opportunity for English rugby league. The perception is particularly painful given that the Australian team themselves have admitted to performing below their usual standards.
Some argue that Reece Walsh's exceptional performance in the first Test at Wembley single-handedly prevented this series from going to a decider. However, England's attack has lacked any killer instinct, managing just one try across 160 minutes of rugby. If Saturday delivers another similar performance, serious questions must be directed at the performance team.
Preparation Problems Plague National Side
Despite the RFL's loud proclamations about this being the most important series for British rugby league in years, the preparation afforded to the national team has been frankly inadequate. Prior to entering camp last month, England's players hadn't been together on a field since the Test match against Samoa a full year ago.
The absence of warm-up games, training sessions due to Super League's demanding schedule, and proper preparation time has created an embarrassing situation. England are attempting to bridge the gap to the world's best while being treated as second-class citizens in favour of club rugby league.
Wane himself highlighted the problem this week, stating: "We don't get together until the start of the World Cup next year and we're expected to do something. I'm not moaning about it because that's a fact – nobody can argue that's not the way it is. If they want us to be better, we need to be together more."
The coach revealed he's been told "nothing" about whether England will have a mid-season Test next year, making it entirely possible that Saturday's match against the Kangaroos represents the final preparation before their World Cup opener.
Structural Issues Hinder Progress
England's players face additional challenges from a domestic season that's both too long and lacks the intensity of their Australian counterparts. Wane explained: "Our players are playing 30-odd games in Super League... reasons like that are going to hinder your performance at the end of the season. It's just really tough what we ask of our players."
The players themselves are calling for more international opportunities. Hull KR winger Joe Burgess, who ends his 10-year absence from the national team on Saturday as one of two changes alongside Leeds centre Harry Newman, expressed the squad's desire for greater England priority.
"Definitely. It's the ultimate reward. The more caps, the better," Burgess said. "There needs to be more – there definitely needs to be a mid-season Test."
The sobering reality is that as things stand, Saturday afternoon could be the last chance to watch England on home soil until autumn 2027. That makes it doubly important for the team to sign off this series with a performance that offers hope rather than further disappointment.
Teams for final Ashes Test:
England: Brimson; Burgess, Newman, Farnworth, Johnstone; Williams, Smith; McMeeken, Little, Lees, Watkins, Pearce-Paul, Knowles. Interchange: Walmsley, Lewis, Smithies, Oledzki.
Australia: Walsh; Nawaqanitawase, Staggs, Shibasaki, Addo-Carr; Munster, Cleary; Carrigan, Grant, Fa'asuamaleaui, Crichton, Young, Yeo. Interchange: Dearden, Cotter, Collins, Koloamatangi.
Referee: G Atkins (Australia)
