The Ashes
The Australian Kangaroos wrapped up the 2025 Ashes series with a 14-4 win over England in Liverpool on Sunday morning (AEDT). A packed house of rowdy northerners egged the home side on and they responded with a much improved effort from that at Wembley last week. But unless you can score tries you aren’t going to win matches. In the end, endeavour and a vigorous physical approach is not enough against the world champions. The Australian streak continues and the Kangaroos will be looking to complete a whitewash on Sunday morning (AEDT) in Leeds.
The Second Test was a better contest in that England did show a lot more life and commitment but, as a spectacle, it never rose to any great heights. As was the case last week, there were too many errors from both sides and too much grappling and wrestling to make it a game that provided any real enjoyment. Almost non-existent field markings also made it difficult for the referee to keep the teams the required 10 metres apart! England had the better of possession and the penalty count, good periods of field position ascendancy and high levels of energy, especially in the first half. Nevertheless they were ineffectual in attack, lacked a defining play and, consequently, were unable to turn their seeming advantage into points. Coupled with this, for the second week in a row, the Kangaroos’ defence met any and every challenge thrown at it. The niggle factor, evident from the very beginning of the game, also cruelled any chance of an open, entertaining game.
In the end, the match turned on two decisive plays in a five minute period early in the second half. First of all, Munster, who showed glimpses of touch in the second half of the First Test, embarked on one of his trademark twist, turn, step, swivel, jink raids, all within about 15 metres, to outmuscle his opponent and keep the ball alive to eventually slide over. A few minutes later, Staggs batted a high Cleary bomb back where it fell straight into the arms of a mobile Young who had a pretty straightforward run to the line. All of a sudden it was 14-4 and England were never going to have three scores in them.
In a clunky performance, Munster and Crichton were best for Australia, with Grant, Staggs and MMC (my man Cotter) also prominent. But it was the Kangaroos’ almost perfect defence that won the day.
Third Test
What can the English do to try to win this one? It’s hard to imagine them playing much better than they did in the Second Test, certainly not in terms of effort and physicality. Perhaps if they can find that last play and ‘click’ a bit better they may contend. Perhaps the Kangaroos will rest a few first choice players to give their support cast a run. Either way, form and history tell us that it will be a clean sweep to the Australians and yet more soul-searching for the Chooms. Let’s see what team selections present as the week progresses. Final team line-ups were not available at the time of writing but will be added when announced.
Update: The Kangaroos have named a largely unchanged line-up for the Third Test. See the full team here.
Update 2: The England squad for the Third Test has now been named. Check it out here.
Pacific Championships
Women’s division: The Tonga XIII roared back from a modest effort against the Moana last weekend to trample the PNG Orchids to the tune of 42-6. The scoreboard would have looked even worse for PNG with Tonga kicking only 3/9 in their nine tries to one romp. Tonga was ‘on’ from the start with two quick fire tries before the Orchids replied, but it was a false dawn as Tonga assumed total control and drew further and further away as the game went on. It’s been a disappointing tournament for the Orchids while Tonga will at least take something positive away after this convincing win.
On Sunday the Ferns took on the Jillaroos in Auckland, and what a game it was. The final scoreline of 10-4 to Australia reflected the closeness of a game where the respective defences were both strong. The pace was electric throughout, the hits big and often, no quarter asked or given. This was more like the usual Ferns after their disappointing first outing a fortnight ago. They looked refreshed and refocused. Given little space to play an expansive game, the Jillaroos dug in and had a slight advantage through the greater mobility of their back row. Church did a very good job standing in for Upton. But full credit to all the players. To single any out would be a disservice to the other 33. I thought the Ferns had more run left in their legs at game’s end while the Jillaroos looked happy to hear the final whistle after a hectic last 20 minutes. They’ll meet again next weekend in the final.
Men’s division: The PNG Kumuls won their third consecutive Pacific Bowl after they demolished Fiji Bati 50-18 in Port Moresby. It was all over by half-time with the Kumuls already ahead by 30-6 after a powerhouse display that made the Bati look ineffective. I can’t wait to see Edwin Ipape play in the NRL. He is a classic modern-day No. 9, reminding me of a mixture of Harry Grant and Damien Cook with a bit of Justin Olam thrown in – scheming, rugged, fearless and brutally strong. The PNG pack was first rate and were all over their opponents. The Bati came into this tournament with high hopes but will walk away with a few scars from their dual defeats.
On Sunday, the Kiwis were far too strong for Tonga who put in another unattractive, one-dimensional performance. They will be very disappointed in their efforts in this tournament. Back to the drawing board, I think. NZ were just too strong, too mobile, too skilful. A rampaging forward pack allowed Foran and Brown to pick and choose their plays. To their credit, the Tongans held on for the first 20 minutes, more through a bit of luck and some rushed efforts by the Kiwis, but once the dam was breached it was all over very quickly. There were no passengers in the Kiwi side, rather an overabundance of talent with a quality bench taking over once they got the opportunity. That Erin Clarke is one mean hombre! The prospect of next week’s final against Toa Samoa is mouthwatering!
The Finals
Women’s: The Jillaroos will be at home to the Ferns in Sydney on Sunday as they battle it out for the title of Pacific Champions. The venue may be Sydney but I expect a huge Kiwi contingent to cheer on the girls in black. Their encounter the other day suggests that this is no easy win for the Jillaroos. If the Ferns can bring along the same energy, teamwork and skill, they’ll be right in it. As I said above, they finished the stronger last week. Under greater pressure, the Australians couldn’t find their rhythm but they’ll learn from the experience and the tape of the game to come back with a plan to get the game flowing more on their own terms. There’ll be all sorts of space filler devoted to the game this week but, in the end, it will be two great teams going hell for leather, almost Origin-like, where one or two key plays will decide the result. I’ll back the Jillaroos.
Men’s: Fifty-five years ago, Carole King sang, ‘I feel the earth move under my feet’. Those words came back to me as I thought about this weekend’s men’s final between the Kiwis and Toa Samoa. A battle of the big men, and I mean big men! Seismic clashes await us. Just look at their respective packs to get some idea of what to expect. (I wonder how the Kangaroos would go against either of them?) Both have had big wins over Tonga; Samoa has had a week’s rest; the Kiwis were an awesome unit on Sunday. Then there are quality and crafty playmakers on both sides as well as speed and skill out wide. Both have shown a good defensive line. The crowd in Sydney will have heaps of blue and black as the respective fans come out to adore their heroes. Which team will walk away with the trophy? I have a gut feeling it will be the Kiwis.
To see all the team lists for Sunday’s finals click here.
We’ll have a complete roundup of all the matches next week in our last rugby league column for 2025.
To read our library of rugby league stories click HERE.
To return to our Footy Almanac home page click HERE.
Our writers are independent contributors. The opinions expressed in their articles are their own. They are not the views, nor do they reflect the views, of Malarkey Publications.
Do you enjoy the Almanac concept?
And want to ensure it continues in its current form, and better? To help things keep ticking over please consider making your own contribution.
Become an Almanac (annual) member – CLICK HERE.
About Ian Hauser
A former teacher with a (very) modest sporting CV enjoying his retirement years. A Queenslander through and through, especially when it comes to cricket and rugby league. Enjoys travel, coffee and cake, reading, McWilliam's Cream Apera and a glass or three of wine. Footy Almanac's Thursday online editor who moonlights as a hobby editor.
The Kangaroos team has been announced and this post has now been updated.
Expecting a further improvement from the English team. and perhaps all those half chances of the first and second test might just become tries in this last test.
An inaugural Asia Rugby League Championship is due to take place in the Philippines later this month. No NRL or Super League players will be involved but locals will learn from those who play in State Leagues,, metropolitan or country / county competitions.
This post has now been further updated with the naming of the England squad for the Third Test.
I was absolutely flabbergasted to read that some so-called media “experts” are suggesting that Kevvie should rest a few of the Kangaroos’ stars and give the “Emus” a run.
Really? For God’s sake — this is the Ashes Series. The very idea of fielding a second-string side in a contest dripping with history and pride would have the football Gods rolling in their graves. The Ashes deserve the best of the best — not a development squad and a clipboard full of excuses.
Yes, the Emus would probably still win comfortably against this third-rate English side, but that’s beside the point. You don’t cheapen the jersey just because the opposition has forgotten how to tackle. You play your strongest team, every time, because that’s what respect for the game — and its legacy — demands.
Let’s not sugar-coat it: this entire tour has been a disaster from an English perspective. What was meant to be a grand renewal of international rivalry has instead exposed northern hemisphere rugby league as the imposter it’s sadly become.
The once-proud fortress of British rugby league now looks more like a crumbling heritage site. The Super League’s demise has been monumental — a slow-motion collapse that’s left the game gasping for relevance and begging for help. The skill, the toughness, the aura — all gone, replaced by mediocrity and apathy.
At this point, only divine intervention can save them. And thankfully, there is one man among us capable of such miracles.
Hail Sir Peter — the Messiah!
The Great Man who guided us through pandemics, tamed bureaucrats, revived racing, and single-handedly kept rugby league alive when the rest of the world lost its nerve. If there’s any hope left for English rugby league, it lies in his capable, heaven-sent hands.
Until then, Kevvie, for the love of the game — field your best. Always. Because the Ashes deserve nothing less.