Parramatta star recalled to Kangaroos squad as Kevin Walters suffers two big blows ahead of Ashes Tour

Josh Addo-Carr has been drafted back into the Australia squad for their upcoming of the United Kingdom for the Ashes.

Kevin Walters has opted to pick Knights centre Bradman Best for his debut international tour, but the Kangaroos coach has been hampered by a string of injuries to star men. 

Xavier Coates, who featured in Sunday's NRL Grand Final, has been ruled out of the tour after undergoing scans on an ankle injury in Melbourne on Monday. 

Zac Lomax will also not feature after the Eels winger failed a medical due to a hip injury.

For Addo-Carr, it will mark the first time in two years that he has pulled on the green and gold jersey, after the former Canterbury star helped guide Australia to World Cup glory in 2022, scoring 12 tries during that campaign. 

After having his contract at the Bulldogs torn up last year, the 30-year-old set himself a target of getting back into representative footy. 

And it seems the former Storm star has bounced back hungrier than ever, scoring 19 tries across 22 appearances for the Eels this year - his best haul since his final season at Melbourne in 2021, when he crossed the whitewash 23 times that season.

'I sat down at the start of the year and wrote down some goals, which was losing weight – I've done that – another one was to make Origin, and the third one was to make the Kangaroos squad,' the winger told The Sydney Morning Herald earlier this year.

'You want to represent your family, and when you play for the Kangaroos, it's the pinnacle. It means you're one of the best players in the world in your position, and you're playing with the best in the world. It's such a great honour.'

Keaon Koloamatangi, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Jacob Preston, Ethan Strange, Blayke Brailey, Best and Reece Walsh, who dazzled in last Sunday's NRL Grand Final, have all been named as part of the touring party and can all make their Kangaroos debuts during the tour. 

'The State of Origin series was highly competitive and we saw some brilliant performances from key players in the Finals Series,' head coach Walters said.

'There is a mix of youth and experience and all of them have the desire to represent their country on this stage. I cannot wait to coach this squad.

'England will be a huge Test on their home soil, however, this squad knows what it takes to perform at the highest level and knows what it takes to win.'

Penrith enforcer Isaah Yeo will captain the side, while Melbourne hooker Harry Grant will act as his vice-captain. 

The Tour will start on October 25, with the Roos set to take on England at Wembley Stadium. 

They'll then head to Everton's stunning new ground, The Hill Dickinson Stadium on November 1 for the second Test before wrapping up the series at Headingly on November 8. 

'This will be one of the most anticipated Kangaroo Tours in recent memory,' Peter V'landys, ARLC chairman, said. 

'The return of the Ashes after 22 years is not just a sporting event—it's a celebration of Rugby League's rich heritage and enduring rivalry between two countries.

'To wear the green and gold in an Ashes series is a rare honour. It's the culmination of years hard work, sacrifice and the reward for all that stood behind every player.

'This squad will also carry the pride of a nation and the legacy of those who came before them.