While last week’s opener at Wembley went the way of the Kangaroos, Warrington Wolves and England skipper George Williams will be looking for an improved showing from his team as they look to save the series.
Warrington players of the past have history with the Ashes, as our Wire historian and statistician “Stanski” reminds us...
**Battle of Brisbane**
The Second Test in 1958 was certainly one of the greatest Test matches in Ashes history.
Down 1-0 in the Series, captain Prescott broke his right forearm after only 3 minutes but courageously carried on, tacking with one arm. Stand-off Bolton left the field for good after 17 minutes, his collarbone shattered.
Two Warrington players, full back Eric Fraser (elbow), and left centre Jim Challinor (shoulder) both ended up in hospital after the match, but played their part in saving the Test Series. Fraser kicked 5 goals, and Challinor scored a try in a 25-18 victory.
**High Five**
We could do with a bit of Billy Cunliffe magic. The prop forward holds the record for the most wins by any Warrington player - five times he's beat the Australians in the 1920's.
**Gilly Right**
Laurie Gilfedder played only once in a Test match against Australia, in the second Test in 1962. The game was played at Lang Park, Brisbane. "Gilly" was loose forward and set up a lovely try for right winger Billy Boston in a 17-10 victory, which clinched the series. Subsequent history shows that he became the last Warrington player to win an Ashes series!
**Chairman's report**
Bob Eccles, chairman of the Warrington Players' Association, played in the second row for Great Britain in the second Test at Wigan in 1982, against the "Invincible" Australian side. The Aussies won 27-6, and that despite having had future Warrington hero Les Boyd sent off late in the first half. "They brought a new level of speed and skill to the game."
**Everton stint**
Everton's new stadium will host the second Test today, but at their old ground at Goodison Park, Ernie Brookes has the distinction of being the only Warrington player to play at Everton. It was not a Test match however, but in a Representative team. He played scrum half for the 'Northern Rugby League' in 1908, against the first touring Australians, who won 10-9 with a last-minute drop goal!