England winger Matty Ashton is set to feature in the upcoming Rugby League World Cup as part of the national squad’s match against Tonga in Perth on Saturday. The 28-year-old Warrington player has been named among the six substitutes for head coach Brian McDermott’s side.

Ashton’s rise to international rugby league has been marked by an unconventional journey. Prior to his professional career, he worked as a lifeguard at the Village Hotel in Bury, Greater Manchester, while playing for Swinton. Reflecting on those early days, Ashton acknowledged that if rugby league had not become his profession, he might have continued in that role. “I can’t do much else,” he said, noting that the experience helped him stay grounded.

Ashton described the lifeguard position as relatively low-stress, recounting that the most intense moment he witnessed during that time was an incident involving a hotel guest in the sauna. His leap into the Warrington squad came after a phone call from then-coach Steve Price, who informed him of the signing that would change his career trajectory.

Now a key figure in England’s Rugby League World Cup campaign, Ashton aims to make a significant impact on the international stage after years of development through the club ranks. The match against Tonga represents a critical fixture for McDermott’s team as they seek to advance in the tournament.