LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy

Cut eyes and cancelled plans: Inside England's Ashes mind games

The upcoming Ashes Test is shrouded in tension as England's captain canceled a practice session amid accusations of players crossing the line with their aggression during training.

Australia's coach, Kevin Walters, refrained from commenting on whether the speculation surrounding intense training sessions and "cut eyes" was meant to unsettle the tourists, who have not secured a victory in an opening Test at Wembley since 1963, except for a 1997 match involving a Super League squad.

On Friday, when Wane arrived at Wembley without his players, forgoing the customary 'familiarisation visit,' he cited the tough training session the day before as one reason for granting them a day off during a television interview.

This decision led some individuals close to the Australian team to suspect that classic mind games might be at play, aiming to instill caution in the Kangaroos' players regarding an old-fashioned, fierce Test match.