England take on Australia in the first Rugby League Ashes for over 20 years, and it is now less than a month away. The historic three-match series is set to be full of fierce rivalry, as England look to win the series for the first time in 0ver half a century.

Now, preparations have stepped up even further with both sets of coaches on the verge of naming their squads for the tournament. The Aussies will be the first of the two to name their squad, with his squad expected to be officially announced on October 6. England boss Shaun Wane will follow suit a week later, announcing his selections one day after the Super League Grand Final on October 13.

However, this week has seen Walters’ Australia squad revealed to the media, and should that leak prove correct he will name seven new faces in his squad that have never worn the Green and Gold before.

Canberra Raiders’ Ethan Strange and Cronulla Sharks’ Blayke Brailey are two of the seven, after deciding to stick with the Kangaroos instead of joining England, and after months of speculation, Queensland star Tino Fa’asuamaleaui has knocked back reports he would play for Samoa, and will instead play for Australia once again.

The Kangaroos have been World Champions since 2013, after winning the World Cup that year and defending it successfully in 2017 and 2022. Stars from the most recent tournament such as Nathan Cleary, Isaah Yeo and Harry Grant are expected to be a part of coach Walters’ side, as he prepares for the three-match test series that will see fixtures played at Wembley, Everton and Headingley.

With that being said, let’s take a look at how the Aussies could line up for the series, as some of the world’s best are set to make the trip over to the northern hemisphere.

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Australian Kangaroos predicted squad to face England in Ashes series

Full-back: Reece Walsh

Walsh is one of the best players in the world, having been crucial in Brisbane Broncos’ journey to the NRL Grand Final. Another of the seven debutants, Walsh’s spot in the team is near-guaranteed following James Tedesco’s withdrawal from the squad.

The 23-year-old is close to making 100 NRL appearances, and representing his country would be another key milestone in his short career so far.

Wingers: Mark Nawaqanitawase and Xavier Coates

Rugby union converts Nawaqanitawase has took to the 13-man code brilliantly, and has finished his first full season as the league’s top try scorer. Whilst he will be making a move back to the 15-man game in time for the 2027 Rugby World Cup, but for now he will be a huge asset to Walters’ side.

He is set to partner Xavier Coates, who has scored an incredible 20 tries in 21 matches for Melbourne Storm this campaign. Together, their incredible ability in the air will be a key threat, and one they are expected to take advantage of over the series.

Centres: Kotoni Staggs and Zac Lomax

Broncos centre Staggs has turned down the opportunity to play for Tonga in the Pacific Championships, and should he get selected will make his fourth Kangaroos appearance after making three in 2023.

The other centre spot is a lot more contested, but we’ve gone with Zac Lomax, an esteemed player in his own right who has honours with both Australia and New South Wales. Whilst Lomax has been used on the wing for the majority of this year, he deserves a place in the starting squad, but will face competition from Strange and Bradman Best for the number four jersey.

Halves: Cameron Munster and Nathan Cleary

Watching those two play in the same team is worth the entrance fee alone. The pair have been the best players in their position for a number of years now, with Munster guiding his Storm side to the Grand Final and Cleary being the focal point of a Penrith Panthers side that has won the last four premierships.

Should either of them not play, they have a very handy backup in Tom Dearden, who was the best player on the field in the State of Origin decider earlier this year proves he has the ability to shine when it matters most.

Props: Lindsay Collins and Tino Fa’asuamaleaui 

Payne Haas’ decision to represent Samoa is a huge blow, but the Kangaroos have more than adequate replacements in Collins and Cotter. Roosters man Collins is a nine-time Australia representative and a 15-time Queensland rep. His experience will be key in the series.

Fa’asuamaleaui, whilst his natural position is at loose forward, looks set to be at the front of the pack. A man of his quality will be lethal wherever he plays, and England will need to do a great job on him if they are to take anything from the series.

Hooker: Harry Grant

Grant has been one of the best nine’s in the world for a few seasons, with this year being especially great. Leading his team from the base of the ruck, Grant has the ability to win matches on his own, as shown in the Storm’s last gasp winner over Penrith, where he took the ball from dummy half and fooled the entire defence to score under the posts.

His replacement will be Brailey, who as mentioned could have line up for England, but instead looks to be facing them in a month’s time.

Second Row: Hudson Young and Jacob Preston

Raiders’ back rower Hudson Young capped off a stellar season by being named in the Dally M Team of the Year, as he helped his side finish top of the table. Whilst their finals series didn’t go as planned, Young has to be a shoe in for the number 11 jersey at Wembley.

The other back row position is less certain, with Walters having to choose between youth and experience. 23-year-old Jacob Preston has had a career-best season with the Bulldogs, but has no representative honours in his career. Meanwhile Roosters’ Angus Crichton arguably hasn’t been as good as Preston, but has that international experience behind him and knows what to do when it comes to the big matches. However, there should be enough quality and expertise in the side for Preston to be given a chance at international level, which would be a fully deserved honour after this year.

Loose Forward: Isaah Yeo

Speaking of experience, not many have more than Kangaroos captain Isaah Yeo. Playing for Australia 11 times and NSW 17 times, Yeo will look to lead his side to glory, as he has done with Penrith for the last four seasons.

Patrick Carrigan could be another player that could take this position, but Yeo’s quality and leadership on the field will almost guarantee him a starting role.

Bench: Tom Dearden, Reuben Cotter, Patrick Carrigan, Keaon Koloamatangi