With the Rugby League World Cup only two months away, every Super League player is likely picturing themselves boarding the flight to Australia. In June, England’s newly appointed head coach Brian McDermott unveiled a 38‑man performance squad that includes ten uncapped talents. Over the course of the season, this group will be groomed and assessed with the aim of fielding the strongest possible side for the October tournament.

Among the veterans, Leeds Rhinos stand‑out and current Man of Steel Jake Connor finds himself back in the conversation after a seven‑year hiatus from international duty. Connor was omitted from Shaun Wane’s squad for the 3‑0 Ashes loss to Australia last autumn, but his recent form has forced the new coach to reconsider his options. The ten newcomers named by McDermott comprise Wakefield Trinity’s Jake Trueman and Caleb Hamlin‑Uele, Wigan Warriors’ Sam Walters and Zach Eckersley, Hull KR’s Dean Hadley and St Helens’ Harry Robertson. While this list represents the core of the early‑identified talent, it does not mean that players outside the 38‑man roster have no chance of earning a late call‑up.

In fact, several individuals have been delivering standout performances that could see them become "bolters" – late‑stage additions to the England squad. ### Tom Holroyd – The Impact Super‑Sub Tom Holroyd has emerged as a textbook example of a game‑changing bench player during the latter stages of the Super League season.

His physical presence, relentless aggression and ability to turn a match on its head have not gone unnoticed. Even his club boss, Brad Arthur of the Wigan Warriors, has publicly advocated for Holroyd’s inclusion in the England travelling party, arguing that his skill set could provide a decisive edge against a formidable Australian side. Arthur also highlighted teammate Cameron Smith, noting that both men possess the capacity to alter the point of attack with quick footwork, precise passing and incisive off‑loads. "If you want to beat Australia you can’t rely solely on defence – you need to create scoring opportunities, and Tom and Cameron give you that," Arthur said.

Given England’s depth in the middle, Holroyd’s rising profile suggests he is now firmly on McDermott’s radar. ### Umyla Hanley – A Rising Attack Threat Since returning from injury, Leigh Leopards’ Umyla Hanley has been a revelation in attack. His performances earned him a place on the Man of Steel shortlist during the mid‑season period, and he was instrumental in Leigh’s emphatic victory over Leeds in round 23.

Leigh head coach Adrian Lam has been vocal in championing Hanley’s international prospects, praising his defensive commitment and competitive spirit. Lam recalled a crucial tackle Hanley made on Ryan Hall in the dying minutes of a match, saying, "If anyone told me a try would be saved at the end, I’d point to Umyla. He’s the ultimate competitor I’ve ever coached, and I challenge anyone in the Super League to match his intensity." Such endorsement from a seasoned coach adds weight to the argument that Hanley could earn a late England cap. ### Oliver Partington – The Unsung Workhorse Wigan fans will attest that Oliver Partington has been a cornerstone of their 2026 Super League campaign.

Known for his tireless work rate, defensive reliability and willingness to take on any role, Partington epitomises the type of player who may not generate highlight‑reel moments but consistently delivers the fundamentals that win games. While competition for his position is fierce, his consistent performances throughout the season have marked him as a potential late‑call candidate for the national side. ### Matty Nicholson – NRL‑Based Prospect Although not a Super League player, Matty Nicholson’s recent appearances off the bench for the Canberra Raiders merit attention. The new England coach has explicitly stated that he will monitor NRL talent as closely as domestic players.

Nicholson’s resurgence in the NRL could therefore translate into a surprise inclusion in McDermott’s final squad, providing a blend of experience and fresh perspective. ### Additional Players on the Periphery Beyond the highlighted names, a broader pool of talent is knocking on the door of international recognition. Players such as Junior Nsemba, Ethan Havard, Luke Thompson, Brad O’Neill, Jake Wardle, Harry Smith, Kallum Watkins, Mikolaj Oledzki, Ash Handley, Ben Currie, Danny Walker, George Williams, Matty Ashton, Kai Pearce‑Paul, Dean Hadley, Jez Litten, Mikey Lewis, Morgan Smithies, Victor Radley, Billy Smith, AJ Brimson, Jack Welsby, Alex Walmsley, Daryl Clark, Morgan Knowles, Herbie Farnworth, Mike McMeeken, Matt King, Ben Talty and Dom Young have all displayed varying degrees of form that could tip the balance in their favour. ### Why Late Bolters Matter The Rugby League World Cup is a tournament where depth and adaptability often decide outcomes.

England’s traditional strengths lie in a solid forward pack and disciplined defence, but against a dynamic Australian side, the ability to inject fresh energy, creativity and unpredictability from the bench can be a game‑changer. Late‑call players bring the element of surprise – opponents have limited footage and scouting material, which can be exploited by a well‑prepared England side. Moreover, the inclusion of late bolters can serve as a motivational tool for the wider squad.

Knowing that a strong performance in the final weeks of the Super League season could earn a World Cup berth encourages all players to maintain high standards, thereby raising the overall quality of the domestic competition. ### The Path to Selection For a player to transition from club regular to England bolter, several criteria typically apply: 1. **Consistent High‑Level Performance** – Sustained excellence over multiple games, particularly against top‑tier opposition. 2.

**Impact Off the Bench** – Demonstrated ability to change the momentum of a match in limited minutes. 3.

**Positional Versatility** – The capacity to cover multiple roles, offering the coach tactical flexibility. 4.

**Physical and Mental Resilience** – Proven durability and the mental fortitude to handle the pressure of international fixtures. 5. **Coach Endorsement** – Public or private support from club coaches, who often act as the first line of recommendation to the national selectors.

Players who meet these benchmarks are likely to be placed on McDermott’s shortlist as the tournament approaches. The final squad will be announced shortly before departure, and it will be fascinating to see which of the hopefuls manage to secure a place on the plane to Australia.

### Conclusion As the Rugby League World Cup draws nearer, the conversation surrounding England’s squad is shifting from a static list of 38 names to a dynamic evaluation of form, fitness and potential impact. While the core group provides a solid foundation, the possibility of late‑stage bolters adds intrigue and competition. Whether it is Tom Holroyd’s bruising presence, Umyla Hanley’s attacking flair, Oliver Partington’s relentless work ethic, Matty Nicholson’s NRL experience, or any of the other fringe candidates, the final England roster will likely reflect a blend of established talent and fresh, hungry players ready to seize their moment on the world stage.