Sharks captain Blayke Brailey could cap a career-best season with an international debut after earning selection in a 24-man Kangaroos squad for Australia's first tour of England in 22 years.
Brailey is one of seven Test rookies chosen by coach Kevin Walters alongside superstar Broncos fullback Reece Walsh, his teammate Gehamat Shibasaki, Roosters winger Mark Nawaqanitawase, Bulldogs back-rower Jacob Preston, Rabbitohs forward Keaon Koloamatangi and Raiders playmaker Ethan Strange.
Walters announced the squad for the historic Ashes series on Monday, confirming Brailey and Storm skipper Harry Grant as the only specialist hookers.
The news continues a dream season for Brailey, who guided Cronulla to the preliminary finals after taking over as captain from an injured Cameron McInnes.
The dynamic No.9 was named the Dally M Hooker of the Year before claiming Cronulla's Players' Player and Members' Player of the Year awards last week.
“This will be one of the most anticipated Kangaroo Tours in recent memory,” ARLC Chairman Mr Peter V’landys AM said.
“The return of the Ashes after 22 years is not just a sporting event – it’s a celebration of rugby league’s rich heritage and enduring rivalry between two countries.
“To wear the green and gold in an Ashes series is a rare honour. It’s the culmination of years hard work, sacrifice and the reward for all that stood behind every player.
“This squad will also carry the pride of a nation and the legacy of those who came before them.
“For these players, their families, and the game itself, being part of an Ashes Tour will be a lifelong memory.”
Walters congratulated all of the players on their selection in the squad.
"The State of Origin series was highly competitive and we saw some brilliant performances from key players in the Finals Series," Walters said.
"There is a mix of youth and experience and all of them have the desire to represent their country on this stage. I cannot wait to coach this squad.
"England will be a huge Test on their home soil however this squad knows what it takes to perform at the highest level and knows what it takes to win."
Penrith's Isaah Yeo will lead Australia with Grant as his vice-captain.
The 2025 Ashes will kick off with the first Test at Wembley Stadium in London on Saturday 25 October. The second Test will be played at Everton Stadium in a 53,000-seat state-of-the-art facility in Liverpool on Saturday 1 November.
Leeds will play host to the third and final Test in Rugby League heartland at Headingley Stadium, home of the Leeds Rhinos, on Saturday 8 November.
Kangaroos squad
Blayke Brailey * Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks
Patrick Carrigan Brisbane Broncos
Nathan Cleary Penrith Panthers
Xavier Coates Melbourne Storm
Lindsay Collins Sydney Roosters
Reuben Cotter North Queensland Cowboys
Angus Crichton Sydney Roosters
Tom Dearden North Queensland Cowboys
Dylan Edwards Penrith Panthers
Tino Fa'asuamaleaui Gold Coast Titans
Harry Grant Melbourne Storm
Keaon Koloamatangi * South Sydney Rabbitohs
Zac Lomax Parramatta Eels
Mitchell Moses Parramatta Eels
Cameron Munster Melbourne Storm
Mark Nawaqanitawase * Sydney Roosters
Jacob Preston * Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
Gehamat Shibasaki * Brisbane Broncos
Lindsay Smith Penrith Panthers
Kotoni Staggs Brisbane Broncos
Ethan Strange * Canberra Raiders
Reece Walsh * Brisbane Broncos
Isaah Yeo (c) Penrith Panthers
Hudson Young Canberra Raiders
* Denotes debutant
The Ashes 2025
First Test - Saturday 25 October, Wembley Stadium, London
Second Test - Saturday 1 November, Everton Stadium, Liverpool
Third Test - Saturday 8 November, Headingley Stadium, Leeds
All matches will kick off at 2:30pm local time (1:30am Sunday AEDT).
