Watching Reece Walsh in Sunday’s NRL Grand Final will have filled the British rugby league public with a strange mix of fear and joy – all too aware, in the hours before it was announced, that he was set to be named in Australia’s squad to face England.
As Brisbane Broncos triumphed, Walsh delivered a freakish performance of defensive desperation and heart, aligned with devastating attacking impact, on the big stage. He is going to wow the series if England don’t get to grips with him – and that’s assuming he pips Penrith’s equally talented Dylan Edwards to the jersey.
Unnervingly for Shaun Wane and the England squad, they’re not the only superstars selected. Winger Mark Nawaqanitawase has shone in 2025, being named NRL rookie of the year for his displays on the wing for the Roosters and a back catalogue of eye-opening tries.
Other names have been rewarded for their form as well, with Canberra’s Ethan Strange and Walsh’s Broncos team-mate Gehamat Shibasaki among the newbies, while old hands such as Cam Munster, Nathan Cleary and captain Isaah Yeo are involved too.
There are some battle-hardened forwards heading north this autumn: Man mountain Keaon Koloamatangi returns wearing green and gold, having toured with Tonga in 2023, while Patrick Carrigan, Lindsay Collins and Tino Fa’asuamaleaui bring power and presence for Harry Grant at hooker to play off.
England rightly have high hopes after back-to-back series wins over Tonga and Samoa, but this squad is just a little reminder of why the Kangaroos are still the world’s number one.