Joe Burgess manifests recall as England's forgotten men prepare to send Headingley message

The 31-year-old has not represented England since earning three caps in 2015, highlighting the long road back to the highest level.

But his form in Hull KR's treble-winning campaign – to the tune of 24 tries in 25 games – earned him a long-awaited recall for the Ashes.

On Saturday, Burgess will complete his journey by lining up for England in the final Test against Australia at Headingley.

"I never gave up on it," said the winger, who could only watch on as Shaun Wane's team lost the first two matches to concede the series.

"I've always had the goal to get back in the England team. I was in and around the training squads in 2016 and 2017 but never actually played.

"There have been a few times in the past four or five years when I thought I could have got a chance.

"I've changed a few things about my life in the past two years and it's paid off. It's very rewarding.

"I even manifested it. I wrote it down as one of my goals at the start of this year. I wrote a few things down to do with rugby and they've come off.

"It's a bit weird. I'll be writing all sorts down next year! I'm over the moon to be back in."

Burgess' return comes at a timely moment, just 12 months out from the World Cup.

Indeed, this could be England's final fixture before the trip Down Under.

Burgess plans to savour every minute with next year's tournament in mind.

"I'm very grateful," he said. "I probably took it for granted back in 2015 but I'm really looking to cement a spot now.

"Obviously the Ashes is over but there's a big competition next year. If I can impress this week, hopefully I'll be in the back of Waney's mind for next year."

Burgess is joined in the team for Headingley by Harry Newman, the only other England player yet to feature this series.

The Leeds Rhinos centre was an ever-present for Wane's side in previous years and did not miss a single club game in 2025.

After patiently waiting for an Ashes opportunity, Newman is ready to make up for lost time at his home ground.

"I feel pretty emotional," he said alongside Burgess at a media event in Wigan on Thursday.

"I've been in camp three weeks now and to be picked for the last Test at Headingley is massive for me. It's where I've played my whole professional career and I've got some great memories playing there in an England shirt.

"I've really enjoyed camp and the training sessions but it's obviously tough watching when you're not playing.

"I'm looking forward to pulling on the England shirt again. It's the biggest honour you can have as a player, especially at Headingley.

"I don't think there's a bigger game you can play as an England player – Australia are the best team in the world. I can't wait."

Both players may have been brought in with the series already decided but there is still much to play for individually and collectively.

Newman is determined to help show the Kangaroos that England can be a threat when it truly matters.

"If you want to win a World Cup, you're going to have to beat Australia at some point," he added.

"Playing well against them is something I'm looking to do. I just want to go out there, give my all for the team and put my best foot forward.

"First of all, we need to win. Unfortunately we've lost the Ashes but our focus and talk has been on building for next year.

"They've named their best team and it's going to be a massive challenge. It's one we're up for and excited about. If we beat them on Saturday, we've beaten the best team in the world."

While there is still one more Ashes fixture to negotiate, minds are already beginning to drift to the next instalment of the England-Australia rivalry following confirmation of Hull KR's World Club Challenge date with Brisbane Broncos.

Burgess will get an early look at Broncos superstar Reece Walsh this weekend but any thoughts about facing him in February can wait.

"He'd had a bumpy year and then the last five or six weeks of the season he was untouchable," said Burgess.

"I can't wait for the challenge on Saturday. I've excited to see how quick he actually is because you can't really tell from the sideline. It's going to be fun.

"As for next year, it's one job at a time. I'll put everything into this week and plan to be horizontal on a beach somewhere for a couple of weeks.

"It's been the best year of my career. It's the first time I've won the Challenge Cup and Super League. And to get back into the England squad, it's been an unbelievable year.

"I've still not processed it yet but will do when I'm on the beach."