LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
Nathan Cleary and Harry Grant, who faced each other in this season's State of Origin series, are now on the same team for Australia in London this week. Both players believe their Origin experience could provide Australia with an advantage in the upcoming Ashes series.
The Ashes will feature a best-of-three format, which is uncommon on the international stage but familiar to the Blues and Maroons, who engage in a trilogy each year.
"It's very much got an Origin feel to it," noted Queensland hooker Grant.
He added, "We know and understand how to deal with those environments throughout the year and through experience playing Origin. Hopefully we can take a little bit of that into these next three games."
New South Wales' Cleary also shared his thoughts, stating, "It's definitely the same template. It's quite unusual for an international series, but a lot of us Aussie guys are used to it."
This year's Origin showcased the unpredictable nature of a three-game series. The Blues started strong, winning 18-6 in May, but the Maroons made a comeback, winning a nail-biting 26-24 in June, before clinching a 24-12 victory in July.
"A lot can change so it's important we hit the ground running that first game and play the way we want to and to make sure we're well prepared," emphasized Cleary.