England will take on Australia in the first rugby league Ashes Test in over 20 years on Saturday but fans are split on one key decision.

It’s not just the fact it’s the first Ashes series in 22 years that makes Saturday significant but also the fact that England and Australia have not met at the men’s senior level since the 2017 Rugby League World Cup Final, a game that the Kangaroos won 6-0.

Three of England’s 24-man squad played that day with Kallum Watkins, John Bateman and Alex Walmsley all hoping to avenge that defeat but whether they’ll be selected remains to be seen.

There actually doesn’t appear to be too many guaranteed starters in Shaun Wane’s side given the competitive nature of the squad and one of those key areas of competition is in the halves, with Grand Final winner Mikey Lewis looking to force his way in.

To do that he’d have to break up the established partnership of Harry Smith and George Williams with the latter being England’s captain, though he’s not had a particularly great 2025.

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Who should Shaun Wane play in the halves for the first Ashes Test?

Serious About Rugby League asked fans which players should Shaun Wane start in the halves for Saturday’s Test at Wembley against Australia, and it’s fair to say there are plenty of differing opinions.

There were lots of calls for Mikey Lewis to feature whilst plenty backed the incumbent pair. Several even argued for Jake Connor, the Man of Steel who was omitted from the England squad.

Martin Figg: Lewis, on his day he is currently the best England half-back but he (Wane) will start Smith and Williams.

Jeff Johnson: It should be Brimson and Lewis but he’ll pick Williams and Smith.

Alan Williams: Smith and Lewis but he won’t drop Williams, so probably Smith and Williams.

Desmond O’Brien: It should be the current Man of Steel but you can’t because Shaun Wane didn’t pick him in the squad. Nuts.

Paul Downes: Should or will? because if go on should then it should be Jake Connor.

Tez Worthington: I’ve given Lewis some stick this year but after the Grand Final saw a more mature display so it’s Lewis and Smith for me with Williams on the bench, he’s not played for weeks.

Mark Abbott: Can’t play Lewis and Smith together as they’re both left-footed and play on the same side of the field, so Williams will play.

John Wood: It’s Williams and Smith.