Overview
- Australia confirmed a 24-man squad for the Ashes series in England, with the first Test scheduled at Wembley on Oct. 25.
- Seven debutants were picked: Blayke Brailey, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Keaon Koloamatangi, Jacob Preston, Ethan Strange, Gehamat Shibasaki and Reece Walsh.
- Shibasaki earned selection after a season that began on a train-and-trial contract and culminated in two tries in the NRL grand final and a Queensland Origin debut.
- Coach Kevin Walters said Zac Lomax remains focused on the tour despite R360 speculation, as ARL Commission chair Peter V'landys dismissed the breakaway as unprofessional.
- Tino Fa'asuamaleaui, Kotoni Staggs and Koloamatangi chose Australia over Pacific nations, with Isaah Yeo set to lead a squad stocked with recent grand final standouts.