Imagine the frustration of being selected for Australia's elite Rugby League Ashes squad, only to sit on the sidelines for the entire tour – no action, no glory, just a wasted opportunity. That's the raw emotion behind former Kangaroos star Mark Geyer's passionate plea for a shake-up in how future Ashes series are structured, sparked by the snubbing of six talented players during the 2025 edition.
But here's where it gets controversial – is it fair to drag players halfway around the world just to watch from the bench? Let's dive into Geyer's thoughts and explore why this could be a game-changer for the sport.
In the recent 2025 Rugby League Ashes, a full six members of Australia's touring party – Mitchell Moses, Dylan Edwards, Bradman Best, Ethan Strange, Blayke Brailey, and Jacob Preston – didn't get a single minute on the field, despite earning spots in the 24-man Kangaroos squad. This left them with nothing but travel stories and team photos, while the Test matches unfolded without them.
During an appearance on 2GB radio's Wide World of Sports, where he shared his insights (you can check out the full interview here: https://www.nine.com.au/sport/nrl/news-2025-rugby-league-the-ashes-australian-kangaroos-mitchell-moses-dylan-edwards-bradman-best-mark-geyer-2gb-radio-20251107-p5n8p5.html), Geyer, a veteran who represented Australia in three Test matches, voiced his disappointment. He argued that the current setup, with three back-to-back Tests crammed into a short tour, doesn't do justice to the squad's depth. 'I’m a bit disappointed to see that the other six or seven guys who travelled won’t get a run in the game this weekend,' he said, echoing what many fans might feel – it's like picking a dream team only to bench half of them.
Geyer proposed a fresh approach to make the Ashes feel more like the legendary Kangaroo tours of old, where players got real experience against various opponents. He suggested incorporating midweek fixtures against local club sides to give everyone a chance to shine, potentially extending the tour to about six weeks and expanding the squad to 26-28 players. 'I think if they’re going to do it they’ve got to do it properly and at least play a couple of midweek games and at least resemble something like a Kangaroo tour that we used to have,' he explained. This isn't just about fairness; it's about building a stronger team for the long haul, as shorter modern tours can't replicate the intensity of those epic three-month journeys from decades past. Imagine the skill development – midweek games could serve as training wheels for rookies or a chance for veterans to stay sharp against less familiar competition.
And this is the part most people miss – why stick to the same rigid format when it clearly leaves talent untapped? Geyer highlighted how these overlooked players proved their worth in the NRL season, deserving a shot in the iconic green and gold. Take Ethan Strange, for example, who had a stellar breakout year with the Raiders; Geyer wished he'd gotten time on the pitch. Or consider Jacob Preston, Dylan Edwards (a past Test star sidelined this time), Mitchell Moses, and young Blayke Brailey – all picked for their brilliance, yet sidelined. It's a reminder that selection isn't just about the Test side; it's about rewarding and showcasing the squad's full potential.
Kangaroos coach Kevin Walters has been strategic, sticking to his best 17 for all three Tests to uphold the jersey's prestige, especially with Australia leading 2-0. But Geyer's counterpoint adds fuel to the debate: is protecting the 'brand' worth denying exposure to emerging talents? Some might argue it's a smart move to avoid risking injuries in non-Test games, preserving the team's edge. Others, like Geyer, see it as a missed chance to inspire and develop players, potentially strengthening future squads. This raises questions about the Ashes' evolution – should tradition bow to innovation, or is the current model sacred?
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Staying in the NRL news lane, keep up with the latest player movements after the November 1 deadline (https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-premiership/nrl-2025-november-1-blog-contracts-player-movement-players-offcontract-in-2026-perth-bears-lachlan-ilias-to-titans/news-story/273f05ab3378e421aa4fd10d3d63093f), Kevin Walters' take on the Broncos' sacking (https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-premiership/nrl-2025-kevin-walters-opens-up-on-brutal-brisbane-broncos-sacking-kangaroos-australia-vs-england-ashes-series/news-story/d19757f6d78eca222d3015db9db53542), and the arrest of former Panthers star Trent Merrin over alleged crypto theft (https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-premiership/nrl-2025-trent-merrin-charged-by-nsw-police-for-allegedly-stealing-140000-in-cryptocurrency-arrested-dragons-panthers/news-story/4783d7398370e823dba62492cf8227f2). Plus, catch live Ashes action without ad interruptions on FOX LEAGUE via Kayo – again, first month for $1 if you're new (https://kayosports.com.au/?pg=default&extcamp=fsaeditoriallinkleague-edt-fsp-lnk-awr-grc-nrl-kyo&channel=fsa&campaign=fsacontra&voucher=).
Don't miss updates on the Titans' new era under Hannay (clip: 02:25) or the DCE Roosters move confirmation (clip: 00:29).
What do you think – should the Ashes embrace midweek games to give players like these a fair shot, or is the current format just fine? Does rewarding NRL season standouts with tour spots mean they must play, or is selection enough? Share your opinions in the comments below; I'd love to hear if you agree with Geyer's vision or see it differently!
