Joe Burgess will make his first England appearance in a decade after being named in the 19-man squad for Saturday's deciding Ashes Test against Australia at AMT Headingley, Leeds. The 31-year-old Hull KR winger last played for England in 2015 during the series against New Zealand and has been recalled by head coach Shaun Wane.
Burgess capped a remarkable 2025 season as a key figure in Hull KR's treble-winning campaign. Wane, who previously coached Burgess at Wigan Warriors, said he was delighted to give him a start, describing Burgess as a player with 'a new lease of life at Hull KR' and someone 'we need more of' while adding that the coaching group are guiding him rather than restricting his personality.
Burgess himself said he always believed he could return to international rugby: 'I did it once, could do it again. Once you get to 31, you wonder if it is too late. This has been the best year of my life — first time winning Challenge Cup and Super League, then being recalled to the England squad.'
England go into the final Test 0-2 down in the three-match series and are missing winger Dom Young, who is out with a broken foot. Harry Newman returns to the side and is in line for
