Grant throws his support behind Ashes returning

Harry Grant has thrown his support behind the Rugby League Ashes returning far sooner than the previous 22-year hiatus following Australia’s series win against England.

Like they did in the last Rugby League Ashes in 2003, Australia has managed to clean sweep their opponents after a clinical 30-8 win against England at Headingley overnight.

It was a clinical performance by the Australians who managed to close out the game despite an English challenge at the end of the first half and the start of the second.

But Grant’s try in the 61st minute, which was not too dissimilar to the one he scored against Penrith this season in golden point, was the straw that broke the backs of England.

Following his performance, which included running for 125 metres, laying 42 tackles and breaking five of his own, Grant would be awarded the man of the match award, with the Melbourne Storm captain having enjoyed his time playing for the national team.  

“It’s been enjoyable, I hope everyone has enjoyed the spectacle of the three games,” Grant told BBC Sport.

“We’ve played some really good footy in London, Liverpool and now Leeds, and this was the best atmosphere we’ve had.

“Hopefully, this concept can keep going for many years to come.”

While it took them a little while to get into the Second Test, the Aussies certainly didn’t waste any time trying to score, with Reece Walsh almost getting on the end of a Grant chip kick at the end of the first set of the match.

But the Kangaroos didn’t have to wait much longer, with Josh Addo-Carr receiving a floating pass from Cam Munster five minutes later, which set him free on the left edge.

Australia then proceeded to double their lead with Hudson Young scoring his second try for the side in as many games.

But England, as previously mentioned, would keep the game a competitive one heading into the half with captain George Williams getting over the line following hooker Jez Litten bursting through Australia’s defence off a play of the ball.

Then, as the siren sounded, referee Grant Atkins would award England a penalty goal following Young being called for a ball strip on Herbie Farnworth to bring the margin to four points.

Coming out of the half, the English had some opportunities to tie the match following some superb grubber kicks from Williams, leaving Australia’s goal line defence under significant pressure.

But after weathering that pressure, the Kangaroos went down the other end with Grant scoring what proved to be a decisive try.

Walsh would then inflict more damage by scoring a late double to blow the margin out to 22 points, which was the Kangaroos’ biggest victory of the series.

Following the conclusion of the match, Grant’s club and state teammate in Cameron Munster would pick up the man of the series following his performances across all three games.

Both national teams will now turn their attention to next year’s World Cup, set to be held in Australia and Papua New Guinea.