So what is everyone's thoughts on this? Thought I would start a thread. Anyone going to any of them? 

I'm going to the Everton one, 8 of us in total. Me and my eldest lad are stadium geeks really and love ticking new ones off and we won't get the chance to watch Utd there. 


Just read an article that Welsby is back next month so way ahead of schedule as he was last year. I was never worried about him missing the Test games anyway. 

There is nothing like Ashes Rugby League and it's been a huge hole in the games calendar IMO. I cannot wait for the series and have got tickets for all 3 games. 


All 3 have something a bit different about them but I'm probably looking forward to Everton the most as well. I love Liverpool for a day/night out and it should be a good atmosphere around the City. I still think putting the third game at Headingley is a bit silly, especially if it's a decider and we could've shifted another 30,000+ tickets elsewhere but say it is a decider, the atmosphere is going to be incredible and I could see it being pretty hostile for the Aussies. 

Everton one for me as well. Four of us, me, my son, my grandson and mate. Looking forward to it as it has everything. We could win the series, lose the series or stay in the fight.

I wonder if Headingley has been chosen with the thought that it may be a dead rubber if the Aussies go 2-0 up? However, as you say if it is 1-1 that ground is way too small

I think they've gone safe with it with that in mind but also in the knowledge that if it is a decider, it's going to be electric in there. The game is in far more need of the money the extra tens of thousands of ticket sales would've generated though IMO, rather than an atmosphere that increases our chances of a victory. I also think they thought sell outs at Everton and Leeds may drive people towards going to Wembley. It's tough to say if that's going to be the case at the minute, with 35,000 sold so far. 

4 of us with tickets for Wembley and Everton. Missed out on Headingley, but blaming daughter as she registered on my account but didnt tell me, and then after they'd sold out she says "Dad i registered for the tickets"


I really hope it doesnt got to a decider cos i'll be cheesed off, but equally it would be great for the game if it is 1:1, but couldnt cope with the disappointment of losing to them again


Whichever way it goes, there will be fans complaining about Wane's team selection, but in the main the team will pick itself subject to injuries

I've no issues with Wane. I think he's genuinely honest. There was a huge clamour for Jake Connor whom Wane had labelled as inconsistent. Was great against HKR but went missing against us twice in the space of a few weeks. 

The moaning from some fans already (and Willie Peters and Jon Wilkin) about Wanes England selections bores me to death and is the side of international rugby league I really don't like. I know I will be sat near people at all 3 tests who are there to watch their clubs players and to hope other clubs players stuff up and it's pretty infuriating. 


When Welsby, Lewis or whoever puts on an England shirt, they're playing for my team and will get the same support Wigan players do week to week. I couldn't care less if any Wigan players are in the team, as long as we compete and do ourselves justice. 

Same. I find it weird that people think like that. If 13 Wigan players are picked then so what, still want us to beat the Aussies. I've no issues with admitting that certain players are the better choice than others regardless of who they play for. 

i've spent the last couple of weeks arguing with fans from Yorkshire, all complaining about Lancashire bias because of Wane, all he picks is Wigan(ers) players, all over a squad to meet up . I agree with you on that front, that he's up front and honest, and also knows what he wants the players to do, both on and off the pitch, and if they dont fit that bill, then there is a good chance they arent going to get picked

On the other wigan forum we've been debating the half backs with a few for and against Jake Connor, i'm in the against camp. Unfortunately i dont think we are blessed at half back at the minute. We have some good players, but no world beaters, and i think Wane will go tried and trusted of Smith and Williams, with Lewis off the bench giving versatility to cover off 9 as well.  Outside of those 3 we have Sneyd, Connor, possibly Will Pryce (albeit he's been playing 1) and Whitby (think he's too young at the minute and looks to have a very promising future)

I agree with you and it would be my choice. I think he'll go with Williams and Smith with Lewis off the bench. 

Back row will be interesting too. We have KPP, Nicholson and Nsemba. Who starts, who makes the bench...


Knowles and Radley the same. Knowles will probably make the bench so that only leaves 2 spots (if Lewis is the other 1) and that's even before a 9 or props are considered. 

I personally think he'll start with Radley at 13, but he's been having issues with concussion, so will be interesting to see if he does get included. Wane likes Knowles, as he is his sort of player and will run through a brick wall for him.

2nd row i've a feeling he will only pick 2 and not go with a sub and utilise 3 props and Lewis. I think he'll go McMeeken to start, then any of Thompson, Lees, Havard, Trout, Mulhearn. Thompson has had a couple of minor niggles, but we know he can do big minutes and has been making an impact off the bench over recent weeks. I like what i've seen of Mulhearn / Trout at Leigh but a big step up for them both. So i think he may go with McMeekan and Havard to start, with Lees, Thompson and one of Mulhearn / Trout, and that gives us some good impact with three of those. I've not included Oledzski as i think he's injured but would definitely be in the mix