Rugby League Ashes: Mickey Lewis wins grand final and England call-up

This is a sentiment shared by the Australian camp, as they aim to continue their remarkable period of dominance on British soil.

The Australians have not lost a series in England since 1959, nor the Ashes since 1970.

“It’s huge to get the Ashes team back,” Kangaroos midfielder Nathan Cleary told BBC Sport. “The international game is moving in the right direction.

“I feel very lucky to be part of this series. I was very young in 2003 but in Australia they were showing a lot of clips from the matches. To be able to watch that and hear the stories, you feel very lucky.

“They are very excited back home, and there will be some early mornings for people to be able to watch the games.”

Cleary, unlike his counterpart Lewis, suffered a disappointing domestic campaign.

Cleary’s Penrith Panthers have missed out on the National Rugby League title for the first time in five years, and the grand final for the first time in six years. He was also beaten by New South Wales in the State of Origin series in July.

The 27-year-old is determined the disappointment does not spill over to the international stage as Australia look to improve their standing as world champions, the number one ranked international side and clear favorites in this series.

“We didn’t finish the way we wanted to in Penrith, but being able to represent Australia on a historic stage is something I can’t wait to be a part of – it’s a great way to end the season,” he said.

Meanwhile, England have more NRL experience in their squad than ever before, with six of their squad representing clubs below that.

Newcastle Knights back-rower Kai Pierce-Boll is among them, and he says his NRL experience could provide invaluable assistance to his international teammates.

“I loved my time in Australia,” he told BBC Sport. “Being in Newcastle, a small town that loves rugby, made me feel at home. When I wake up and go to the beach in the morning, I can’t complain.

“A lot of these boys probably haven’t seen a lot of Australians play. Playing against them at the weekend helps me, lets me see patterns and trends, so hopefully I can help my boys too.”