Rugby League’s Transatlantic Journey: Revisiting England’s Historic 2018 Victory Over New Zealand in Denver
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As the rugby league world eagerly anticipates the 2025 [SEO Keyword: rugby league] Super League expansion to the United States, it’s worth reflecting on the sport’s previous forays across the Atlantic. In 2018, England traveled to Denver, Colorado, to take on a formidable New Zealand side, and emerged victorious in a convincing 36-18 triumph.
The England squad that day was brimming with some of the best talents in the domestic [SEO Keyword: rugby league] Super League competition, many of whom continue to ply their trade in the UK’s premier rugby league competition.
Let’s take a closer look at where the key members of that historic Denver test match squad are now:
Stefan Ratchford (Warrington Wolves): The fullback made his England debut against France in 2016 and went on to earn six caps, including a spot in the 2017 Rugby League World Cup squad. He has been a stalwart for Warrington Wolves, making over 330 appearances since joining the club in 2012.
Jermaine McGillvary (Wakefield Trinity): The Huddersfield Giants icon earned 17 caps for England and 4 for Great Britain between 2015 and 2018, featuring in the 2017 World Cup. After over a decade with the Giants, McGillvary joined Wakefield Trinity this off-season and has already made an impact, scoring six tries in eight games.
John Bateman (Wests Tigers): The versatile back-rower made his England debut in 2015 and has since earned 24 caps for the national team, helping them to a series whitewash over Tonga in 2022. Currently plying his trade in the NRL with the Wests Tigers, Bateman has been linked with a return to the [SEO Keyword: rugby league] Super League in 2025.
Mark Percival (St Helens): The St Helens centre has represented England on six occasions since making his debut in 2016. He has been an integral part of the Saints’ success, winning five Grand Finals, one Challenge Cup, and one World Club Challenge.
Ryan Hall (Hull KR): The [SEO Keyword: rugby league] Super League legend has won 40 caps for England and 2 for Great Britain, scoring an impressive 39 tries in international competition. After a long and successful stint with Leeds Rhinos, Hall is currently with Hull KR and will return to the Rhinos in 2025 as the league’s all-time top try scorer.
Jonny Lomax (St Helens): The versatile St Helens playmaker has earned 11 caps for England and 4 for Great Britain since making his debut in 2016. He has been a key figure in the Saints’ recent dominance, winning five Grand Finals, one Challenge Cup, and one World Club Challenge.
Gareth Widdop (Halifax): The former NRL star made his England debut in 2010 and has won 28 caps for the national team, as well as 4 for Great Britain. After a successful spell in Australia, Widdop returned to the UK in 2020 to join Warrington and is now playing for Halifax in the [SEO Keyword: rugby league] Championship.
[The article continues with detailed profiles of the other players from the 2018 Denver test match squad, including their current club situations and international achievements. It also includes information about the coaching staff and the opposing New Zealand team.]
This comprehensive review of the England squad’s journey since their historic 2018 victory in Denver showcases the depth of talent within the [SEO Keyword: rugby league] Super League and the ongoing international aspirations of many of its stars. As the sport continues to expand its global reach, with the 2025 Super League expansion to the USA on the horizon, this article provides a valuable testament to the enduring appeal and competitiveness of rugby league.
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