'Watch out': Brad Fittler warns Australian Kangaroos of England's power in the Ashes series
England may not be the favourites to take out the Ashes series, but league great Brad Fittler has warned Australia not to underestimate their rivals.
Kevin Walters' men are no strangers to the talent of some of the opposing players in the series, with a quarter of the team currently contracted in the NRL.
But the side's knowledge of those players, who are teammates to some and rivals to others at club level, will not be enough to stop England from claiming an Ashes victory.
READ MORE: 'Five live chances': League's big reward for new world order
READ MORE: Two-time Cox Plate winner dies after short illness
READ MORE: Merrett spotted on enemy turf after rejected trade
Australia were the last team to win the Ashes series 22 years ago in Huddersfield in front of 24,000 roaring fans.
While the green and gold jerseys are still regarded as the best international rugby league team in the world, england are ranked third and will have the home crowd on their side.
Kangaroos players celebrate last year's Pacific Championships win Getty
Selection headaches have been a key storyline following the Australian team in the build-up to the series, which begins on Sunday October 26 (AEDT).
Fittler has been vocal about which way he would lean in those selection debates, although he has also been keeping an eye on the hidden power of England's squad.
In fact, he fears that Australia will have a lot more to adapt to than just the traditional climate and field differences.
"It will be tough, it always is," Fittler told 2GB's Wide World of Sports Radio.
"You think you are prepared and then you go over there, all of a sudden they are in your face and the game falls their way. Before you know it, the 80 minutes go by so fast.
Watch the 2025 Pacific Championships live and free on Nine and 9Now.
"I've been there, I've been beat a couple of times in the first Test match.
"I like the way the English team have approached the series. They play (the first test) at Wembley, which (they will hope) the occasion gets to (Australia) and they beat them.
"Then they go to Liverpool with 50 to 60,000 (home fans), then Headingley which is about 20,000. That will be feral as."
"They've set it up to win. They've gone into this believing that they can win.
"To win, they need to win the first game, so watch out."
Brad Fittler looks on during a Prime Minister's XIII training session in 2024. Getty
Asked what the result of the series will be, Fittler predicted a 2-1 finish.
In order for Australia to end with two victories, he insists they must win the first game.
"I think the English will definitely be up for it," he said
"Playing over there is going to mean something. They beat Samoa last year ... they will be very competitive. We need to win the first one, that is the key.
