LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
Australia will be looking for a new captain for the second Ashes Test as Isaah Yeo has been ruled out due to a concussion sustained during the opening match at Wembley Stadium.
Despite losing the Penrith Panthers lock forward, the Kangaroos achieved a decisive 20-point victory over the England Lions, who struggled throughout the game.
Both teams had a rocky start in an intensely physical match marked by few stoppages. However, the slow ruck speed was particularly noticeable and is expected to be a topic of discussion as Australian referee Grant Atkins prepares to take over from English referee Liam Moore next weekend.
While the slow ruck speed may have allowed the robust English side to stay competitive, it ultimately didn't benefit them in the second half.
It took a somewhat disjointed Australian team-who entered the series opener without a practice match and with just over a week's preparation-28 minutes to score the first try. This try, scored by Reece Walsh, came after what appeared to be an obstruction that went unpenalized by the video referee.