England lose out to Australia at AMT Headingley

Saturday celebrated the return of Ashes Rugby League to AMT Headingley Stadium, one of the sport’s most iconic venues, after a 43-year absence, as England faced Australia in the Third and final ABK Beer Ashes Test.

It was already confirmed that Australia would retain the Ashes for a 14th consecutive time following their victories at Wembley and Everton Stadiums, but passion and pride was still on the line for England in the final Test.

During pre-match, Rugby League would pay its respects and commemorate Remembrance weekend, with the England team wearing a poppy-inspired shirt to honour the service and sacrifice of the Armed Forces.

Shaun Wane’s side were looking to end the series on a high, but despite a valiant effort on the day, Australia remained too strong to overcome in 2025.

The visitors drew first blood inside the opening five minutes as Josh Addo-Carr flew on to a looping ball from Cameron Munster to dive over in the corner.

And Munster was there to punish England again with another try assist, as his clever kick through the defence found Hudson Young who touched down for the Kangaroos – making it two tries in quick succession.

But England kept alert, with a piece of individual brilliance from Jez Litten setting up skipper George Williams for a sensational score.

Litten produced some lovely play which saw him break the line, fool the Aussie's star fullback Reece Walsh with a devious dummy, before kicking to Williams who was in support to score England’s second try of the series.

England trailed just four points at the break, with everything to play for in the next half.

Both teams started the second stanza strong, and tempers flared as the rivalry between the two nations was well and truly reignited.

England had multiple chances to attack the line, but Australia impressively withstood the pressure, before turning their game up a gear and showing their world class.

The Kangaroos then delivered a cruel blow when Harry Grant crashed over underneath the posts, and England's hearts were further broken when Walsh completed a double in the closing stages, giving Australia a 3-0 series win.

Headingley Test:

England: AJ Brimson, Joe Burgess, Herbie Farnworth, Harry Newman, Tom Johnstone, George Williams, Harry Smith, Mike McMeeken, Jez Litten, Matty Lees, Kallum Watkins, Kai Pearce-Paul, Morgan Knowles. Subs: Mikey Lewis, Alex Walmsley, Morgan Smithies, Mikolaj Oledzki

Tries: Williams

Goals: Smith (2/2)

Australia: Reece Walsh, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Kotoni Staggs, Gehamat Shibaski, Josh Addo-Carr, Cameron Munster, Nathan Cleary, Lindsay Collins, Harry Grant, Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, Angus Crichton, Hudson Young, Patrick Carrigan. Subs: Tom Dearden, Lindsay Smith, Reuben Cotter, Keaon Koloamtangi

Tries: Addo-Carr, Young, Grant, Walsh (2)

Goals: Cleary (5/5)

Half-time: 8-12

Full-time: 8-30

Attendance: 19,500

Referee: Grant Atkins

Fulton-Reilly Award Winner: Cameron Munster