Wane excited to see KR star shine ahead of England recall
England coach Shaun Wane expressed his excitement about seeing Hull KR’s dynamic winger Joe Burgess return to international action this weekend. Burgess, 31, will make his first England appearance in a decade when he lines up against the Kangaroos in Leeds for the third Ashes Test.
The winger, who last represented England in 2015 against New Zealand, replaces Dom Young after the Newcastle Knights player suffered a broken foot during the 14–4 defeat at Everton. In addition to Burgess, Harry Newman comes into the squad to replace Jake Wardle in the centres.
“He’s had a new lease of life at Hull KR, they’ve done a great job with him,” said Wane. “I know Budgie — he’s won me a World Club Challenge and he’s a fantastic player. I’m so happy that I can give him a start, and everyone in our squad will now play. That did mean something to me.”
Wane also indicated that Mikey Lewis may feature more prominently in the third and final Test after being restricted to 11 minutes in Liverpool the previous week.
Throughout the 2025 season, Burgess scored 24 tries in 25 appearances across all competitions for Hull KR, showcasing some of the finest form of his 13-year career. Wane highlighted Burgess’s match-up against Parramatta Eels winger Josh Addo-Carr as one of the most anticipated duels at Headingley Stadium.
Author’s Summary
Shaun Wane celebrates Joe Burgess’s long-awaited England recall, praising his revival at Hull KR before their decisive Ashes clash at Headingley.