England have a chance to go top of the International Rugby League World Rankings for the first time in history, should they emerge as comfortable 3-0 winners in the upcoming Ashes test against Australia in October and November.
Shaun Wane’s side currently sit in third place behind the Kangaroos and New Zealand, but a strong showing in the three matches could see them gain one, if not two places in the rankings.
The most recent update to the rankings was on June 30, but there is set to be huge changes in all of the men’s, women’s and wheelchair rankings this season with plenty of international fixtures lined up.
New Zealand will take on Samoa and Tonga in the Pacific Cup, whilst Papua New Guinea, Fiji and Cook Islands will compete for the Pacific Bowl.
However, regardless of the Kiwis result in the Cup, an Ashes series win for England would place them above New Zealand, and it would be the first time since 2018 that England would reach second place.
A 3-0 Ashes series win for England, alongside a decent points difference, could also see them move to top spot, overtaking Australia and knocking them off number one, a position they have held since 2016.
Trio of players considering international rugby league switch
After Mal Meninga’s departure as head coach and Brad Fittler’s admission that there are no hotels or training facilities booked, the Kangaroos have a lot of work to do to prepare for their month-long trip.
Now, they have been informed that three of their star players may turn down the opportunity to represent the green and gold, in favour of representing Samoa.
Queensland State of Origin players Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, along with New South Wales’ Payne Haas, are all reportedly considering playing for the Samoans, who are a tier two nation and therefore can switch allegiances from the Kangaroos.
Having three of their key players unavailable, combined with the likes of Latrell Mitchell and Cameron Murray ruled out with injury, the Aussies will have a much weaker side than what they would like.
It will still be a huge task for England to get a victory in the three matches, and even more to take a series win, but the Kangaroos losses are all England’s gain as they look to avenge their defeat in the 2017 World Cup Final for the first time.
“It’s going to be such a tough tour,” claimed Australian journalist Phil Rothfield, although he added that player defections does serve to improve international rugby league.
“I actually think it is great for International rugby league. Australia used to just have to put their jerseys on and turn up to win and the international game was pretty rubbish I thought.
“But now we have the Pacific Islands, England and New Zealand and I think it is great.”
