Harry Newman and Joe Burgess named in England squad for final Ashes Test
Harry Newman and Joe Burgess have been called up to Shaun Wane’s 19-man England squad for Saturday’s third and final rugby league Ashes Test against Australia at Headingley.
Newman’s selection means that three Leeds players could feature at their home ground, alongside Kallum Watkins and Mikolaj Oledzki, who both retain their spots from last week’s defeat at Everton.
Newman replaces Wigan centre Wardle, while Hull KR winger Joe Burgess steps in for Dom Young, sidelined with a broken foot picked up at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Wane aims to finish strong
Although the Headingley Test has no bearing on the overall series result, head coach Shaun Wane is eager for his side to avoid a complete series sweep, reminiscent of the 3–0 loss endured by England—then competing as Great Britain—in 2003.
“Of course we are disappointed not to be going into this final game with the opportunity to win the Ashes, but the goal now is to come away from the series with a victory,” Wane said. “We did a lot of good things last week but ultimately, we need to be even better if we want to get a win this weekend. It will be great to see Joe Burgess and Harry Newman in action. Joe has had a great season with Hull KR and Harry has been a consistent performer for me in an England jersey.”
Summary
Harry Newman and Joe Burgess join England’s final Ashes Test squad, as coach Shaun Wane pushes for a strong finish and a morale-boosting win at Headingley.