Rugby League Ashes: England aim to avoid the curse of a late loss at Wembley

England’s failure to join Australia in the 2022 World Cup final before means this is their first meeting in eight years.

That was in the 2017 World Cup final, which they lost 6-0 to the Kangaroos in Brisbane.

They have not faced Australia at home since a 36-18 loss at the London Stadium in November 2016, with a planned Ashes series in 2020 canceled amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Five years on, the long-awaited series has arrived, and the current generation can experience one of the most controversial tests in rugby league.

“The last time there was an Ashes I was eight – I know I look old but I’m only 30,” Australian captain Isah Yeo said.

“You can look at how passionate the players are, the way former players talk about the tour and how important it was to them, 30 or 40 years ago.

“You want the 2025 Socceroos to look back on that in 30 years and think how great it was to be an Australian player.”

Australia are the world champions, the number one ranked international side and heavy favorites for the Ashes.

But their preparations haven’t been entirely smooth, with coach Mal Meninga stepping down in June to take over the Perth Bears, who play in the National Rugby League.

Kevin Walters took over the role for this series and denied this was an experiment of any kind in terms of who should lead Australia into a World Cup on home soil in 2026.

“It’s not so much a World Cup audition as it is prime time,” Walters said. “When I got the job, I approached a few of the players because there was buzz around Australia about international rugby and its place in the calendar. They were very excited about it all.

“We’ve already gone through a generation of English and Australian players in this type of match and series; this could be an opportunity of a lifetime for these players and staff. It’s a unique experience and if you’re in the world of rugby league, this is where you want to be.”

“For me, the last few months have been about making connections with the players and staff. On a three-week tour, we need to come together quickly. We have great players, but if we’re not together, it might not be good for us. My job is to get the players connected and focused.”