Kangaroos skipper Isaah Yeo has been ruled out of the second Ashes Test after suffering a nasty head knock in the early stages of Australia’s Sunday morning victory.

Now, according to Code Sports, he will be replaced by his Panthers teammate Lindsay Smith, who is set to join Kevin Walters’ forward pack.

Harry Grant will take up Yeo’s captaincy role in his absence, with the gun lock following concussion protocols as he eyes a return in the third and final Test.

Watch the 2025 Rugby League Ashes LIVE with no ad-breaks in play on FOX LEAGUE, available on Kayo | New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1.

WHAT’S GAMBLING REALLY COSTING YOU? Set a deposit limit. For Free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au.

Smith’s inclusion will reportedly see Lindsay Collins promoted to prop and Pat Carrigan will be the man to shift into the No.13 jersey.

Rising Bulldogs star Jacob Preston could also come into the selection frame, but it looms as an unlikely move.

England, meanwhile, have been urged to make big changes to their side in a bid to take the Ashes to a decider, with NRL star AJ Brimson the biggest talking point.

Brimson was named 18th man under Shaun Wane, but English league legend Josh Hodgson urged the hosts to make use of the NRL experience in his squad.

“If I’m going up against the Australians in a Test, I am picking as many blokes as I can who’ve played against these blokes,” he said on Fox League.

And fellow hooker Michael Ennis agreed, using five-eighth George Williams as an example, who was England’s best player in the first test.

“You think of George Williams, George was their best today. George has played against these blokes,” Ennis said.

Robinson try headlines Australia win | 00:50

ASHES NEWS

GAME I WRAP: Walsh MOM freak show on Test debut as Kangaroos crush England

PLAYER RATINGS: Insane Walsh truth becomes reality in Ashes masterclass

UK VIEW: ‘Torture’: Scary reality England face as huge snub bites back

“I felt like Welsby and Lewis just sat back a fraction today, at least Brimson plays against these blokes every week.

“If you’ve got Williams creating those half chances, well AJ can turn half chances into points pretty quickly.

“Williams needs some help, so Lewis needs to take the line on more or they need to potentially throw Brimson to six and get him running.”

Brimson could slot into the halves and replace Mikey Lewis, or wear the No.1 jersey after a lacklustre performance from Jack Welsby.

The utility role is another option considering back-up hooker Jez Litten played 51 minutes, while starting rake Daryl Clark only managed 36 on the field.

Read below for all the latest Ashes team news.

SUNDAY 2ND NOVEMBER

England vs Australia Kangaroos at Hill Dickinson Stadium, 1:30am AEDT

First Test’s England team: 1. Jack Welsby, 2. Dominic Young, 3. Herbie Farnworth, 4. Jake Wardle, 5. Tom Johnstone, 6. George Williams, 7. Mikey Lewis, 8. Ethan Havard, 9. Daryl Clark, 10. Matty Lees, 11. John Bateman, 12. Kai Pearce-Paul, 13. Morgan Knowles, 14. Jez Litten, 15. Alex Walmsley, 16. Owen Trout, 17. Mike McMeeken, 18. AJ Brimson

Team Tips: Shaun Wane could swing the axe and draft NRL star AJ Brimson into his side. The English coach hasn’t been forced into any changes due to injuries, but he could make changes in the hopes they get the hosts a much-needed spark. Brimson could slot into the halves, at fullback or on the pine.

First Test’s Kangaroos team: 1. Reece Walsh, 2. Mark Nawaqanitawase, 3. Kotoni Staggs, 4. Gehamat Shibasaki, 5. Josh Addo-Carr, 6. Cameron Munster, 7. Nathan Cleary, 8. Patrick Carrigan, 9. Harry Grant, 10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, 11. Angus Crichton, 12. Hudson Young, 13. Isaah Yeo, 14. Tom Dearden, 15. Lindsay Collins, 16. Reuben Cotter, 17. Keaon Koloamatangi, 18. Bradman Best

Team Tips: Kevin Walters will be forced into a single change after a head knock to Isaah Yeo. Lindsay Smith is reportedly leading the race to replace him in the forward pack, which would see Lindsay Collins start at prop and Pat Carrigan shift to the No.13 jersey, with Smith included on the pine.