This Saturday (25 October 2025) I’ll be at Wembley Stadium as England take on Australia in the opening Test of the 2025 Ashes Series. I’m not just watching — I’m in the stands, feeling the noise, soaking up the moment. Because this isn’t just a match. It’s a statement for the sport.

What I want to see (and what I expect)

What I want to see:

• A crowd that lives up to the hype – full stands, real noise, full-tilt atmosphere. The first two tiers are sold out—I expect to hear some noise!
• A moment (or two) of magic – a big break, a try, something that makes you remember where you were.
• England playing with intent—attacking, assertive, making the occasion count.
• Australia showing class—they’ll bring experience; I want to see how England deal with that.
• The narrative of “returning to Wembley” delivered in full – I’ll be observing how rugby league looks and feels on this stage.

What I expect (and hope avoids):

• Australia will start well, be slick, and try to control the game early. England will need to match that.
• The occasion might make me nervous—big venue, big crowd.
• I hope the spectacle (lights, build-up, media) doesn’t overshadow the rugby itself – but I’ll be judging how balanced it feels.
• From a media-studies angle: I’m watching how this match is framed for fans, for broadcast, for new audiences. I’ve spoken a lot about rugby league’s visibility problem in the UK, and I’m hopeful that a big spectacle outside the M62 corridor could be a great boost.

My personal “I’m here” angle:

Because I’m going, this isn’t just about what happens on the field — it’s about what I see, hear, feel. I’m young enough that I don’t remember the last Ashes tournament, so this is a really important series to me. I’ll be paying attention to:

• The crowd makeup — how many casual fans versus die-hard regulars? What’s the vibe around me?
• The pre-match build-up — fan zones, chants, noise, stadium energy.
• The narrative elements — signage, sponsor presence, and visual presentation of the event.
• The difference live vs broadcast — how the atmosphere and feel translate (or don’t) to the viewer at home.
• And afterwards: did the match deliver what the build-up promised? Did the spectacle and the story feel earned?

A few “if” statements for the day:

• If England gets off to a strong start, the crowd will roar and the momentum will build fast.
• If Australia shows early dominance, England will be in reactive mode, and the narrative will shift.
• If the stadium and showpiece elements deliver (big screen, lighting, crowd), then this will feel like a landmark night for rugby league in England.
• If a young player grabs a moment (Welsby, Pearce-Paul, someone else), the story goes beyond “big event” to “turning point match”.

Final thoughts

So yes, I’ll be there this Saturday, ticket in hand, excitement high. For me, this isn’t just another international fixture. Whether you’re watching from the sofa or reading this after the fact, this match could be a spectacle where rugby league shows what it can be and how big it can feel.

Here’s hoping: big hits, sharp skills, a roar from the crowd, and maybe a few moments of magic. Enjoy the game — I sure will.