Australia's Dominant Ashes Win Sparks Buzz Over Coach Kevin Walters' Fate—Could This Be the End of an Era or Just the Beginning?
Imagine the thrill of victory: Australia has once again secured the Ashes with a hard-fought 14-4 triumph over England, who struggled to mount any real offensive threat. A legendary former player from the UK didn't hold back, blasting his old team for their lackluster performance. But here's where it gets controversial—does this success guarantee coach Kevin Walters a spot leading the Kangaroos into the 2026 Rugby League World Cup, or is there more drama brewing behind the scenes? Let's dive into the weekend's Rugby League action from the Ashes and Pacific Championships, breaking it all down for you. And this is the part most people miss: the whispers of team changes and international ambitions that could reshape the game.
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Is Walters Poised to Guide Australia Through the World Cup Challenge?
Kevin Walters kicked off his tenure as Australian coach with a flawless record, clinching a 14-4 victory on Sunday morning to make it two wins out of two. After plenty of speculation and uncertainty following Mal Meninga's departure to take charge of the expansion Perth Bears, the ARL Commission chose Walters for the Ashes Tour. It was an unusual arrangement, though—essentially a trial period for this three-match series, with no promises of continuation.
With the World Cup on the horizon right after the Ashes, the Commission is naturally focused on selecting the ideal long-term leader. One ex-great believes they've already spotted the perfect candidate. "Winning the Ashes series should secure him the World Cup role if he's interested," Greg Alexander remarked on Fox League's Ashes AM. "Who else would we select? He's just delivered a series victory." Braith Anasta echoed this sentiment but speculated that Walters might hesitate to commit fully, fearing it could jeopardize his shot at coaching an NRL team. Remember, the guidelines prevent an NRL coach from leading the Kangaroos simultaneously, which is why Meninga stepped down and Bennett wasn't chosen.
"People keep asking, and journalists chat with V'landys and the NRL brass—no one can promise he's out of the woods," Anasta explained. "But he certainly deserves the chance. Kevvie dreams of an NRL gig, so he probably wants to keep his options open. Still, I'm confident they'll offer him the World Cup role too." With all 17 NRL teams likely sticking to their current coaches for 2026, Walters seems content to delay any domestic aspirations and focus on chasing another World Cup title for Australia. He'll be crossing his fingers that the ARL Commission agrees.
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Will Walters Lead Australia in 2026? | 03:10
Could England's Setbacks Prove to Be a Hidden Blessing Ahead of the World Cup?
England showed defensive improvements and a stronger overall effort in the second Test, but they still lagged behind Australia's speed, especially with the 2026 World Cup just a year away. Former England star Josh Hodgson views this Ashes campaign as a potential turning point. "As an optimist, I see this as a blessing in disguise for next year's World Cup," Hodgson shared on Ashes AM. "It gives us a benchmark of our international standing. We see teams like Tonga and Samoa performing strongly, serving as a wake-up call to reach the level needed to compete against top-tier sides."
Australia reigns as the world's best for good reason, so a 14-4 result isn't overly alarming. Yet Hodgson expressed disappointment in England's earlier displays. Captain George Williams and coach Shaun Wane shared that frustration. "No excuses—we've had ample training to nail it on the field, and we haven't," Williams told BBC Sport. "Australia's defense was solid, but we have plenty of room for growth. This is a reality check; we're not as strong as we believed coming in."
Wane described the team as "devastated" post-match. "Proud of most of the game; we were solid for 70 minutes," he said. "But that 10-minute lapse after halftime hurt badly. Munster's first try was weak and shouldn't happen in a Test. Fair play to Australia—they're ruthless—but we must improve our defense. Those tries were avoidable."
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England's Struggling Offense Draws Harsh Criticism—'Hard to Watch'
The numbers tell a bleak story: two games, ten points, just one try. England hasn't posed a threat or built momentum in attack throughout the Ashes opener and second Test. This glaring weakness explains their early loss of the series with one match left. Coach Shaun Wane admitted post-game that his team needed to "throw more" at the Australians. While effort wasn't lacking, they couldn't break through the try line, relying on two penalty goals in the first half for their points.
Hodgson emphasized the need for lineup adjustments in the third Test. "Bring in your star players with scoring potential to unlock the game," he advised. "England must be gutted by their attack—only one try across both Tests so far. They're not sharp enough with possession. It's painful to see; they try hard but appear disjointed, making chasing a comeback tough when players aren't familiar with each other."
England dominated possession (53% to 47%) and territory (59% to 41%), plus racked up more running meters and penalties. Still, they couldn't capitalize. Greg Alexander pinpointed the core issue: "Their inside players aren't shaping up to the defense to create openings," he noted. "With the ball and field position they've had, they should have troubled Australia more."
Jarvo Causes Stir at Ashes! | 01:33
Could Walters Shake Things Up for the Dead Rubber in Leeds?
Even with the series already won, don't be shocked if Kevin Walters sticks with the same 17 for next week's meaningless match at Leeds. After all, he's gunning for the World Cup position and would relish a clean 3-0 sweep to boost his case for the full job. That said, Walters hinted at giving opportunities to squad members yet to debut, like Blayke Brailey, Mitch Moses, Ethan Strange, Bradman Best, Dylan Edwards, and Jacob Preston. The only change so far was due to Isaah Yeo's category one Head Injury Assessment (HIA)—a serious concussion check that rules players out temporarily.
"I'm undecided for now," Walters said in his press briefing. "We'll wrap up today and plan for Headingley tomorrow. It'd be great to reward some players. The squad bond through training and prep has been excellent, especially against our reserves who've been top-notch."
One potential switch: Reece Walsh might face a ban for a yellow card tackle on Dom Young, opening the door for Dylan Edwards at fullback. If suspended, Edwards could be joined by others, per Braith Anasta. "They might give Mitch Moses, Brailey, and others a run to rest the starters for Game 3," Anasta suggested. "Why not?"
Walsh Penalized for Airborne Shoulder Tackle | 00:45
Dylan Brown's Stellar Showing Ignites Newcastle's Hopes for Revival
Dylan Brown has always delivered for New Zealand, and his electric international performances are making Newcastle Knights fans hopeful of recouping their massive $13 million, 10-year investment. While Brown isn't a primary playmaker, Sandon Smith's four-year deal could allow him to shift to halfback, letting Brown shine at five-eighth. Plus, with Kalyn Ponga under contract for at least two more years, Newcastle might convince him to stay with a strong 2026 campaign.
Brown excelled against Tonga, showcasing the instinctive play that defined his peak Eels days. Michael Ennis praised his knack for seizing moments, after he scored a try and set up Casey McLean with a precise kick. "Dylan Brown has been outstanding," Ennis said on Fox League. "He grabbed key opportunities, scoring one and assisting another." Ennis highlighted Brown's synergy with Kieran Foran at halfback, urging Knights to adopt a similar strategy.
"He was man of the match in Game 1, but now he's free to focus on his running without steering duties," Ennis added. "Sensing Tonga's forward fatigue, he accelerated off his left foot. That instinctive kick pass? Pure brilliance."
Andrew Voss cheered Brown's solo try, hoping for more in Newcastle. "Brown charged ahead and scored—Newcastle craves that next season," Voss noted. Cooper Cronk marveled at Brown's resurgence after rough Eels years. "His New Zealand form has been dazzling," Cronk said. "His running is lethal; give him space, and he explodes through defenses like Tonga's."
Kini Shines in Kiwis Comeback | 00:59
Tonga Faces a Steep Climb After Underwhelming Pacific Campaigns
Building on a Pacific Cup final appearance last year and a talented squad, Tonga had high hopes. Yet, under Kristian Woolf, they underperformed, suffering heavy defeats to Samoa and New Zealand, losing 74-20 combined. As the clock ticked against the Kiwis, Fox League's Andrew Voss pointed out a troubling trend: "Given their squad's depth, this has been a letdown. They've won just one of nine Tests since the last World Cup—things have dipped."
That lone victory was over New Zealand in last year's Pacific Championships. Their 2024 form hinted at World Cup potential, but regression this year demands action. Defense was a major flaw—54 missed tackles against Samoa, soaring to 64 versus the Kiwis. Michael Ennis attributed it to fatigue. "Errors piled up—eight in the first half alone—that's unacceptable," he said. "Turnovers gave New Zealand ball, leading to exhaustion. Tonga seem unprepared; disappointing last week, and worn out again. I'm worried."
Katoa Stretcher Exit in Tonga Defeat | 00:43
New Zealand's Obvious Choice for the Final: Young Gun Keano Kini
With Keano Kini's electrifying display against Tonga, Kiwis coach Stacey Jones has no other pick for fullback in next week's final against Samoa. The 21-year-old wasn't even in the original lineup but earned a late call-up. Shifting Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad to center paid off—Kini gained 180 meters, scored a try, and delivered four offloads. After a rough 2025 with a neck injury (luckily not worse), his return was triumphant.
"Kini was phenomenal," Michael Ennis said on Fox League. "A inspiring recovery from his neck issue, he lit up Eden Park late in the Titans season." Injured Sharks and Kiwis winger Ronaldo Mulitalo echoed: "He's an X-factor fullback—creates chances, finishes them, and shows toughness in defense. He excelled today."
Injuries aside, Kini could start 2026 for the Titans, even with AJ Brimson (who prefers fullback but can play elsewhere). Cooper Cronk favors Kini for the Titans' rise. "If you're Josh Hannay, choose Keano Kini—he's the ideal fullback, as seen for New Zealand and Titans," Cronk argued. "Brimson should adapt to another role."
Papua New Guinea's Bowl Triumph Signals NRL Promise for Chiefs
Papua New Guinea demolished Fiji Bati 50-18 to claim the Pacific Championships Bowl, hinting at the success of the PNG Chiefs' 2028 NRL debut. Critics abound, but PNG's dominant home crowd display in Port Moresby proves they deserve the league's 19th spot and could thrive internationally for the 2026 World Cup. Not all national players will join the NRL squad, but many might, including NRL veterans like Alex Johnston, Nene MacDonald, Jack de Belin, and Lachlan Lam.
Try-scorers such as Morea Morea, Dudley Dotoi, Edwin Ipape, Rhyse Martin, and Nixon Putt are budding NRL talents poised for the Chiefs. Crucially, this win highlights nationwide support and a talent pipeline from rugby league-obsessed youth. With marquee signings and homegrown development, the Chiefs could become premiership contenders and a powerhouse. Producing World Cup stars, PNG might rival Samoa and Tonga soon.
Martin Powers PNG to 50 Points | 00:38
What do you think—will Walters get the World Cup nod, or is his NRL dream the real priority? Should England push for more offensive changes, or is their defense the key to bouncing back? And could Tonga's struggles foreshadow bigger issues for Pacific teams? Share your views in the comments—do you agree with the experts, or see it differently?
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