Shaun Wane is excited to see the flying Hull KR star back on England duty this weekend.
England boss Shaun Wane has hailed Joe Burgess and says he is delighted to hand the Hull KR winger his chance to shine on the international stage this Saturday in the Ashes.
The 31-year-old will end a 10-year wait to represent England again, having last played against New Zealand during the 2015 series.
He will earn his fourth cap in Leeds against the Kangaroos, replacing Dom Young on the wing, after the Newcastle Knights star suffered a broken foot late in the 14-4 defeat at Everton.
Burgess is one of two changes to England’s squad, alongside Harry Newman, who replaces Jake Wardle in the centres. Wane also confirmed that he envisages Mikey Lewis playing a bigger role in the third and final Test, having been limited to just 11 minutes the previous week in Liverpool.
“He’s had a new lease of life at Hull KR, they’ve done a great job with him,” Wane said of Burgess.
“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.”
Burgess crossed for 24 tries in 25 games across all competitions in 2025 with the Robins, arguably reaching the best form of his 13-year career to date.
For Wane, it’s one threat he is most excited to see at Headingley Stadium, as Burgess prepares to face Parramatta Eels star Josh Addo-Carr on the wing.
“We needed aerial threats, you look at their wingers and how athletic they are, we need people that are aerial threats and that’s what Joe Burgess has,” Wane continued.
“His yardage carries, he’s a good finisher, but his aerial threat is something to be reckoned with. That’s why I’m excited to see him play.”