For the first time in more than two decades, the elite rivalry of the Rugby League Ashes Series returns. The three-test series between England and Australia has one more game left on November 8th at Headingly Stadium, Leeds.
Australia have already sealed the Ashes series, winning 26-6 at Wembley Stadium on the 25th October and 14-4 at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium on the 1st November. Even though England may have lost the series, the spirit of rugby league burns as bright as ever. The Lions fought hard, and gave the Kangaroos a hard time.
One player who did this was Morgan Knowles, a loose forward who has carved out a standout career with St Helens RLFC and the England national side. Speaking to Quays News prior to the Ashes beginning Knowles stated how training at Sale Sharks rugby union ground had “been really good, it’s been intense and it’s good to get back with the lads and meet up again.”
The loose forward expressed what it means to him being back with the England squad being able to play with friends, such as England Captain George Williams from Warrington Wolves and Harry Smith from Wigan Warriors. Also players such as NRL (Australian League) starts Herbie Farnworth and Dom Young, who he doesn’t usually get the opportunity to play with unless it’s with England. “It’s great to be around just such great players, you’re picking up things and learning, it couldn’t be better”.
It’s been a tough series so far for England, and their hopes for the Ashes revival have been taken away from them. In the second test, Knowles himself had a try disallowed by the video referee after he knocked the ball on over the try line.
While England fell short, Knowles made an impact in both games played so far. He featured prominently, made some strong tackles and in moments threated to break through the Kangaroo’s defence.
However before the series began, it was revealed like many players he couldn’t resist the temptation, and has joined the Australian league the NRL, playing for The Dolphins on a two-year deal from 2026.
With his short time left playing in the UK, Knowles and his teammates have the third and final test approaching. Which many fans are praying it wont be a ‘whitewash’, were Australia win all three games. England’s challenge is to rebuild morale and salvage something from the series.
For Knowles, this series has offered him a valuable high-pressure experience which has served as useful preparation for his move to the NRL and adjusting to the intensity of the southern hemisphere game.
Knowles has had a standout career in the UK game. Leaving to play in Australia with four Super League titles under his belt, a Challenge Cup and a World Club Challenge win. The Ashes series, even though it hasn’t gone England’s way, attaches to his narrative as a highlight of his UK career’s final chapter.