What's Happening?
Australia triumphed over England with a decisive 26-6 victory at Wembley Stadium, marking the start of the first rugby league Ashes series in 22 years. The match, held on October 25, 2025, saw Australia's
Reece Walsh and Angus Crichton each scoring two tries, with Nathan Cleary successfully converting all four and adding a penalty kick. Despite a late try by England's Daryl Clark, the game was dominated by the Kangaroos, who continued their winning streak from the last series in 2003. The match drew an Ashes-record crowd of 60,812 spectators.
Why It's Important?
This victory underscores Australia's continued dominance in rugby league, having not lost a series to England since 1970. The win is significant for the Kangaroos as it sets a strong precedent for the remaining matches in the series. For England, the loss highlights the challenges they face in overcoming a historically strong Australian team. The outcome of this series could influence team strategies and player selections in future international competitions, impacting the broader rugby league landscape.
What's Next?
Australia will proceed to the second test in Liverpool next weekend, followed by a third test in Leeds. However, they will face a challenge as their captain, Isaah Yeo, will miss the next match due to a head injury sustained during the game. England will need to reassess their strategy to counter Australia's strong performance and aim to level the series in the upcoming matches.
