Burgess in line for first England game in 10 years

Joe Burgess could make his first international appearance for a decade after being named in the 19-man England squad for the final Ashes Test against Australia.

The 31-year-old Hull KR winger made the last of his three England appearances during the 2015 series against New Zealand.

But he has been selected by Shaun Wane and could feature against the Kangaroos at AMT Headingley in Leeds on Saturday.

England, who have lost the first two games in the three-match series, are without wing Dom Young, who has suffered a broken foot.

The Australia team, meanwhile, features only one change to the starting line-up, with captain Isaah Yeo returning to the XIII after missing the second Test having failed a head injury assessment.

It means Australia revert to the side picked for the first Test at Wembley, with Yeo going to loose forward, Patty Carrigan switching back to the front row, and Lindsay Collins dropping to the bench.

England squad: AJ Brimson, Joe Burgess, Daryl Clark, Herbie Farnworth, Tom Johnstone, Mikey Lewis, Harry Newman, Mikolaj Oledzi, George Williams (capt), Harry Smith, Mike McMeeken, Jez Litten, Matty Lees, Kai Pearce-Paul, Kallum Watkins, Morgan Knowles, Owen Trout, Alex Walmsley, Morgan Smithies.

Australia XIII: Reece Walsh, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Kotoni Staggs, Gehamat Shibasaki, Josh Addo-Carr, Cameron Munster, Nathan Cleary, Patrick Carrigan, Harry Grant, Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, Angus Crichton, Hudson Young, Isaah Yeo (captain).

Interchanges: Tom Dearden, Lindsay Collins, Reuben Cotter, Keaon Koloamatangi.

Burgess’ return caps a remarkable 2025 season, in which he was a key part of Hull KR’s treble-winning campaign.

Also returning to the England squad is Harry Newman, who is in line for his first appearance of the series at the ground where he plays for Leeds Rhinos – which is sold out for the final Test.

Newman replaces Jake Wardle, while there is no spot for Jack Welsby, who was dropped following the first Test at Wembley.

It indicates Wane may shuffle his XIII and move Herbie Farnworth to his preferred left-centre position.

John Bateman also misses out with the ankle injury sustained in the build-up to the second Test at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Newman’s Rhinos team-mate Kallum Watkins is included again after earning his 30th England cap last Saturday.

Australia have already won the series after beating England 26-6 at Wembley, then winning 14-4 in Liverpool last weekend.

Wane said: “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.

“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 Burgess and Newman in action this weekend. Joe has had a great season with Hull KR and Harry has been a consistent performer for me in an England jersey.