LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
Australia's highly anticipated Ashes tour to England marks not just a long-awaited journey, but a return to a storied rivalry.
The rich history of these competitions dates back to 1908, representing the pinnacle of rugby league and a battleground where true sporting legends emerged.
Coach Kevin Walters holds a deep connection to these historic matches. He participated in two complete tours to Great Britain in 1990 and 1994, along with a memorable trip for the World Cup final in 1992.
For Walters, those were triumphant moments, particularly during the latter tour when he assisted in securing the winning try against Great Britain at Wembley Stadium amidst a passionate crowd.
He often shares these memories with the team, quipping that any footage from those days might as well be in black and white.
Though those experiences contribute significantly to the pride associated with wearing the Australian jersey, they belong to the past, which seems ever more distant. Yet, Walters now has the opportunity to influence the future of Australian rugby.
With the Ashes returning for the first time in 22 years, imparting the significance of these matchups to the current team will be crucial in Walters' coaching journey. The Kangaroos aim to reclaim the honor of the green and gold jersey within the rugby league community.
Walters expressed enthusiasm about this unique chance, stating, "I think it's exciting for the players to get this opportunity. It's been 20-odd years since a national tour, so we skipped a generation, unfortunately."