New Australian coach Kevin Walters will not insist on all players on this year's Kangaroo Tour being available to help the nation's defence of the Paul Barrière Trophy at next year's World Cup.
Walters fronted a UK online media conference on Monday to promote the first Ashes series against England in 22 years, which kicks off at London's Wembley Stadium on October 25 before sold-out Tests in Liverpool and Leeds.
Latrell Mitchell is one big name player who appears keen to travel to England for Ashes series, with Walters revealing the South Sydney star had sought to meet with him, despite an injury-interrupted season.
"I did speak to him earlier this week and I'm going to catch up with him next week in Sydney," Walters said. "From what I can gather he was very keen to catch up and have a coffee so that's always a good sign."
However, Brisbane's Payne Haas has recently opted to play for Samoa in the Pacific Championships while other dual eligibility players have been reported to be considering switching for next year's World Cup - something which Walters said he would not be taking into account in selecting his 22-man squad.
"I'm a bit selfish - I'm looking to this year's series," Walters said. "I want players ... I believe once they get the experience of playing in the green and gold in England ... that's a wonderful experience for them so I feel the passion will come through.
"And what happens at the World Cup next year is a totally different scenario but my focus is purely on this three-Test series and making sure we get players who want to put the green and gold on and who are very happy to wear the green and gold with pride."
Kangaroos Starring Roles: Latrell Mitchell
Walters was asked about the positions of Gold Coast's Tino Fa'asuamaleaui and the Dolphins' Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow - also eligible for Samoa - regarding the Ashes.
"We've had a chat and there's no pressure," Walters said. "I get it. The team will be selected after the grand final. Obviously, the Titans won't be playing finals, maybe the Dolphins can sneak in.
"When their seasons are finished I'll get to them and we'll get a decision out of them then.
"We'd love them to be part of the Kangaroos but I totally respect if they choose to play for Samoa or another country that they desire.
"That doesn't really bother me too much - we've got great depth here in Australia. We'll take 22 players over there that want to wear the green and gold."
Walters said Canberra five-eighth Ethan Strange, who is also eligible for England, may be considered as a utility player if he maintains his current form during the finals series.
Ethan Strange has a night to remember
The former Queensland Origin mentor, who took the Broncos to the 2023 grand final during a four-year stint in charge of the club he helped to four premierships as a player, hopes to finalise his coaching staff later this week.
He said England-based Australian coaches Brad Arthur (Leeds), Willie Peters (Hull KR) and John Cartwright (Hull FC) were under consideration and he had already consulted the latter for tips on his English opponents.
"I worked with John at the Broncos, Willie Peters at Hull KR is having a great season ... and Brad Arthur, I'm well aware of Brad's talents," Walters said.
"I'll be reaching out to all three of those guys, regardless of whether they're on team, just for their knowledge of the English players and their knowledge of the English game and how it's played. They'll be invaluable to us."
Elsewhere, he revealed the Kangaroos planned to have at least one opposed session with the French national team in the build-up to the Wembley Test.
"We need 13 on 13 (at training) and we've only got 22 so we need some numbers exterior to that," he said, adding that planning for the off-field aspect of the series was well advanced despite his late appointment as Mal Meninga's replacement.
Match: England v Kangaroos
Round 1 -
home Team
England
away Team
Kangaroos
Venue: Wembley Stadium, London
The Ashes Series returns this autumn – make sure you’re at Wembley on Saturday 25 October to experience England and Australia's eagerly anticipated First Test.
This is the only remaining chance for sports fans to see the return of the Rugby League Ashes after a 22-year absence, with the Second Test at the new Everton Stadium on Saturday November 1 and the Third Test at Headingley on Saturday November 8 SOLD OUT.
