Off it, however, it is about to end in a very special way as he and partner Lauren prepare for the arrival of the ultimate Christmas gift.

“My Mrs is due any time now, so that will make it extra-special when I do get back on the field,” the Warrington Wolves flyer told the Warrington Guardian as the couple await the arrival of their first child.

“We’re having a little girl, so having her there when I’m back on the field will be a very proud moment.

“Hopefully, that will be sooner rather than later!”

The anticipation of their new arrival has certainly added an exciting strand to what has already been a very different pre-season for the 27-year-old.

As his teammates prepare for the new campaign, he is on the verge of joining them having worked his way through the final stages of recovery after seeing his 2025 season brought to a cruel early end.

Ashton limping out of the Challenge Cup semi-final victory over Leigh Leopards soured what turned out to be the most joyous day of The Wire’s season, but news of a devastating ACL injury robbed them of their biggest attacking weapon for what remained of the season and denied Ashton himself some personal milestones.

Ashton suffered his injury during this contest for the ball during the Challenge Cup semi-final against Leigh Leopards (Image: Richard Walker)

While he may have missed out on the chance of Wembley redemption and representing England in the Ashes series, he has been working away in the shadows to make sure he can play a full part in 2026.

“I’m on track,” he said as he gave an update on his recovery.

“It’s not been a smooth road and you have your hiccups along the way but I’m enjoying being back among the lads again.

“I’m aiming to be back fully with the lads in the new year and be firing for Round One.

“If not, it’s not the end of the world but hopefully I’ll be back for that first game.

“That’s definitely my target – it’s not nailed-on because you’ve got to be 100 per cent but I’m confident in myself. My body has certainly adapted to this change a lot.

“I’m feeling good at the minute and hopefully I’ll be back as soon as possible”

Being involved in post-season international games with England in 2023 and 2024 has meant that Ashton has got used to coming into the club season off something of a shorter run-up of late.

However, he was kicking down the door on Day One of pre-season in early-November in what he says is a refreshing return to the norm.

“I’ve enjoyed it to be honest,” he said.

“It’s been a couple of years now since I’ve had a full pre-season so I’m working my socks off trying to get my body right.

“It’s certainly been brutal – we’ve simplified a lot of things. Sam (Burgess) and Steve (McNamara) have been really good along with Rich Marshall – they’re making sure we’re doing the basics well which I think is what we struggled with last year.

“If we get those basics right along with our effort, we know we won’t be far off.”

As well as six new signings, McNamara’s arrival onto the coaching staff has been the biggest change at The Halliwell Jones Stadium during the off-season.

How a man of his experience dovetails with head coach Burgess has piqued the interest of observers, but Ashton was keen to offer a glimpse of how things have worked so far.

“He’s brought a calm head around the place,” he said.

“Him, Sam and Rich have worked well together and because he’s got that many years of experience behind him, he’s calmed things down a bit.

“He’s got the trust of the staff and the players so hopefully he can help us go that step further.”