With the Rugby League World Cup only two months away, every Super League player is dreaming of a ticket to Australia. In June, newly appointed England coach Brian McDermott announced a 38‑man performance squad, featuring ten uncapped talents, that he will develop throughout the season to ensure England arrives in October as prepared as possible. Among the seasoned stars, Leeds Rhinos centre Jake Connor, the reigning Man of Steel, has been absent from the national set‑up for seven years and was omitted by former coach Shaun Wane during the 3‑0 Ashes loss to Australia last autumn.
Now, however, Connor has re‑entered the conversation. The remaining newcomers in McDermott's list include 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. Yet the question remains: are there any players outside the 38‑man group who could still force a late‑season call‑up?
Below we examine a handful of performers who have been turning heads and may become the surprise bolters England needs. **Tom Holroyd – The Impact Super‑Sub** International caps: 1 Tom Holroyd has blossomed into a genuine game‑changer in the latter stages of the campaign. Operating off the bench, his physical presence and aggressive running have repeatedly shifted momentum in his club’s favour.
Even his club boss, Brad Arthur, believes Holroyd deserves serious consideration for the England squad if the team wants a different dimension in the middle. Arthur also praised fellow bench option Cameron Smith, noting that both players can alter the point of attack with quick footwork, crisp passing and off‑loads. "If you want to beat Australia you cannot rely solely on defence; you need players who can create and finish points," Arthur said. With several midfield options already available, Holroyd’s rising profile could easily place him on McDermott’s radar.
**Umyla Hanley – Emerging Attacking Threat** International caps: 0 Since returning from a long‑term injury, Leigh Leopards’ Umyla Hanley has been a standout in attack. His performances earned him a mention in 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 become a vocal advocate for his player, insisting that Hanley possesses a bright international future.
Lam highlighted a decisive tackle Hanley made on Ryan Hall in the closing minutes of that match, describing him as "the ultimate competitor" he has ever coached. Such high praise from a respected mentor adds weight to the argument that Hanley could be a late addition to the national side. **Oliver Partington – The Unsung Workhorse** International caps: 0 Any Wigan supporter will tell you that Oliver Partington has been a cornerstone of the club’s 2026 Super League campaign.
Known for his relentless work rate, Partington does the gritty, unglamorous tasks that often decide big games – relentless tackling, quick play‑the‑ball and a willingness to put his body on the line. While he faces stiff competition for a centre or second‑row berth, his consistency and reliability have made him one of the most noticeable domestic performers this season. **Matty Nicholson – NRL Bench Dynamo** International caps: 2 Although not a Super League player, Matty Nicholson deserves mention because McDermott has explicitly said he will monitor NRL form as well as domestic talent.
Nicholson, now with the Canberra Raiders, has been used off the bench in the closing fixtures and has shown flashes of the power and ball‑handling skill that could translate well to the international arena. If he strings together a run of strong performances, he could become a viable late‑season option for England, especially given the coach’s openness to selecting from both hemispheres. **Potential Late‑Season Bolters – A Wider View** Beyond the individuals highlighted above, a deeper pool of players is already making a case for themselves. Junior Nsemba, Ethan Havard, Luke Thompson, Sam Walters, Brad O'Neill, Jake Wardle, Harry Smith, Zach Eckersley (Wigan), Kallum Watkins, Mikolaj Oledzki, Ash Handley, Jake Connor (Leeds), Ben Currie, Danny Walker, George Williams, Matty Ashton (Warrington), Kai Pearce‑Paul (Wests Tigers), Dean Hadley, Jez Litten, Mikey Lewis (Hull KR), Morgan Smithies, Jayden Brailey (Canberra), Victor Radley, Billy Smith (Sydney Roosters), AJ Brimson (Gold Coast Titans), Jack Welsby, Alex Walmsley, Daryl Clark, Harry Robertson (St Helens), Morgan Knowles, Herbie Farnworth (Dolphins), Mike McMeeken, Caleb Hamlin‑Uele, Jake Trueman, Tom Johnstone (Wakefield), Matt King (Canterbury), Ben Talty (Brisbane), and Dom Young (Newcastle) have all shown enough quality to be considered if injuries or loss of form affect the core squad.
**Why Late Bolters Matter** The World Cup will pit England against the world’s elite, with Australia, New Zealand and Tonga expected to field formidable line‑ups. Depth will be crucial, especially in the physically demanding middle‑third of matches where fatigue can create openings for the opposition. Players like Holroyd and Hanley provide fresh legs and a different attacking angle, while seasoned campaigners such as Partington bring stability and experience.
Moreover, the inclusion of NRL talent like Nicholson would add a different style of play, potentially giving England a tactical edge. **Conclusion** As the tournament approaches, the 38‑man performance squad will likely form the backbone of England’s World Cup roster. Nevertheless, the coaching staff must remain vigilant for players who can make a late surge. Whether it is a Super League bench impact player, a recovering star who has rediscovered form, or an NRL forward showing renewed vigor, the final squad may well include a few surprise names.
The key will be to balance proven experience with fresh energy, ensuring England arrives in Australia with the most competitive group possible.