Overview

• The NRL is set to reject Kevin Walters’ request to add former captain Gorden Tallis as a cultural figurehead for the Ashes tour, according to Australian reports.
• Officials are also reluctant to approve assistants employed by NRL clubs, leaving Walters’ bids for Broncos staffers Trent Barrett and Ben Te’o likely to be vetoed.
• Attention has shifted to UK-based candidates, with Hull KR’s Willie Peters, Leigh’s Adrian Lam, Leeds’ Brad Arthur and Hull FC’s John Cartwright touted for assistant roles.
• Australia’s selection pool is tightening as several players indicate heritage allegiances, including Payne Haas committing to Samoa and Stefano Utoikamanu signalling for Tonga.
• The three-Test Ashes series begins on October 25 at Wembley before matches in Liverpool and Leeds, adding urgency to finalising the Kangaroos’ staff and squad.