Australian coach Kevin Walters insists different rule interpretations 'no excuse' for any Kangaroos errors

It has been 22 years since the last rugby league Ashes series took place, with Australia set to defend a 12-series winning streak against England over the next month.

While selection debates for key positions in the Kangaroos have dominated headlines in the build-up to the series, concerns over rule interpretations have gone under the radar.

The officiating of Australian and English referees is vastly different, with different understandings about stripping laws and slow play-the-balls.

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Australian assistant coach Willie Peters, who coached Hull KR to win a treble this season, has been working with the team to be wary of the slower play-the-balls some English players will perform, while calls of a one-on-one strip will be in the hands of the referee.

But coach Kevin Walters is not concerned that the differences will cause a big issue, insisting he has full faith in the capabilities of referee Liam Moore for the first Test.

"My father taught me from a very young age not to ever use the referee as an excuse for your performance, and that'll be the case with our boys on Saturday," Walters said.

"He's there to do a job, he'll be doing the best job that he can. That's not our focus.

"We need to do the best job that we can.

"For the referee, I'm sure it'll be a great day for him as well. I strongly believe that he won't decide the game."

While a controversial call in any match will catch the attention of viewers, the Australian team have remained focus on their own individual success.

All who have fronted the media in the build-up to the series have expressed their pride to be able to don the green and gold jersey in an international game, and have reflected on those who have previously worn the jumper, too.

Lindsay Collins grew up hearing about the legacy of the Ashes series from his grandfather, Lionel Williamson, who played on the wing for Australia in the '60s and '70s.

Collins made his debut for the Kangaroos 54 years after his grandfather, in 2022.

The Roosters star admitted he had spoken to his grandfather about his Ashes call-up.

"He rang me the other day and said congratulations," Collins told NRL.com.

"You could hear the excitement in his voice... To be playing at big stadiums like Wembley and in Liverpool will be awesome to be part of."

Rugby league Ashes 2025 schedule

All times are Australian Eastern Daylight Time

First Test: Sunday, October 26 at Wembley Stadium, 12.30am

Second Test: Sunday, November 2 at Hill Dikinson Stadium, 1.30am

Third Test: Sunday, November 9 at Headingley, 1.30am

How to watch the Ashes Tour

All matches of the historic Rugby League Ashes Tour will be streamed live and free on Nine and 9Now.

Watch the 2025 rugby league Ashes series live and free on Nine and 9Now.

Australia and England Ashes squad list

The official starting line-ups for the first match of the series have been locked in by both coaches.

Here is how the teams will look.

Australian Kangaroos: 1. Reece Walsh 2. Mark Nawaqanitawase 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Gehamat Shibasaki 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Cameron Munster 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Patrick Carrigan 9. Harry Grant 10. Tino Fa'asuamaleaui 11. Angus Crichton 12. Hudson Young 13. Isaah Yeo (c) 14. Tom Dearden 15. Lindsay Collins 16. Reuben Cotter 18. Keaon Koloamatangi

Extended squad: Bradman Best, Lindsay Smith, Mitchell Moses, Blayke Brailey, Dylan Edwards, Jacob Preston, Ethan Strange

England: 1. John Bateman 2. AJ Brimson 3. Daryl Clark 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Ethan Havard 6. Tom Johnstone 7. Morgan Knowles 8. Matty Lees 9. Mikey Lewis 10. Jez Litten 11. Mike McMeeken 12. Mikolaj Oledzki 13. Kai Pearce-Paul 14. Own Trout 15. Alex Walmsley 16. Jake Wardle 17. Jack Welsby 18. George Williams 19. Dominic Young 20.

Extended squad: Joe Burgess, Harry Newman, Harry Smith, Morgan Smithies

Who is favourite on the betting odds?

Australia are $1.21 favourites to win the 2025 edition of the rugby league Ashes series according to Sportsbet at the time of publication. England are paying $4 to win.

Josh Addo-Carr and Mark Naqaqanitawase lead the odds at $7 to be the first tryscorer in the series, while England's Herbie Farnworth sits at $13.

Previous Ashes winners

Here are the last 15 winners of the infamous series.

2003: Australian Kangaroos, 3-0

2001: Australian Kangaroos, 2-1

1994: Australian Kangaroos, 2-1

1992: Australian Kangaroos, 2-1

1990: Australian Kangaroos, 2-1

1988: Australian Kangaroos, 2-1

1986: Australian Kangaroos, 3-0

1982: Australian Kangaroos, 3-0

1979: Australian Kangaroos, 3-0

1978: Australian Kangaroos, 2-1

1974: Australian Kangaroos, 2-1

1973: Australian Kangaroos, 2-1

1970: England, 2-1

1967: Australian Kangaroos, 2-1

1966: Australian Kangaroos, 2-1