With the Rugby League World Cup only two months away, every Super League player is inevitably thinking about securing a place on the England plane bound for Australia. In June, newly appointed England head coach Brian McDermott unveiled a 38‑man performance group, which includes ten uncapped talents, to be monitored and developed throughout the season in preparation for the October tournament.
Among the familiar faces is Leeds Rhinos star and current Man of Steel winner Jake Connor, who has not represented England for seven years and was omitted from Shaun Wane’s side that suffered a 3‑0 Ashes whitewash at home to the Kangaroos last autumn. Connor’s re‑entry into the conversation signals that the selection picture is still fluid.
The list of newcomers features Wakefield Trinity’s dynamic half Jake Trueman and powerhouse Caleb Hamlin‑Uele, Wigan Warriors’ promising youngster Sam Walters and versatile back Zach Eckersley, Hull KR’s hard‑working forward Dean Hadley and St Helens’ emerging talent Harry Robertson. Yet, beyond the named 38, there remains a pool of players who could mount a late surge and force McDermott’s hand.
Below we examine a handful of in‑form performers who appear poised to become England’s “bolters” – those late‑call players who might earn a spot on the World Cup roster. **Tom Holroyd – The Impact Bench Player** International caps: 1 Tom Holroyd has been a revelation in the latter stages of the Super League campaign, consistently delivering the kind of high‑octane impact that coaches love from a substitute.
His physical presence, aggressive running lines and ability to break tackles have turned him into a genuine super‑sub. Even his club boss, Brad Arthur of the Wests Tigers, has publicly suggested Holroyd deserves a look for the England squad if the team wants a genuine change of pace off the bench.
Arthur also highlighted fellow bench option Cameron Smith, noting that both players can alter the point of attack with quick footwork, precise passing and effective off‑loads. "If you want to beat Australia you can’t rely solely on defence; you need to create scoring opportunities, and both Tom and Cameron provide that spark," Arthur said. With England’s middle‑field depth already strong, Holroyd’s rising profile could make him an attractive alternative for a bench role. **Umyla Hanley – The Emerging Attacker** International caps: 0 Since returning from a serious injury, Leigh Leopards’ Umyla Hanley has been a standout in attack, earning a place on the Man of Steel shortlist during the mid‑season period.
His performance in Leigh’s emphatic round‑23 victory over Leeds highlighted his ability to break the line and finish with authority. Leigh head coach Adrian Lam has been vocal about Hanley’s potential, recalling a crucial tackle on Ryan Hall that helped seal the win and declaring Hanley the most competitive player he has ever coached.
Lam’s endorsement underscores the belief that Hanley could translate his club form onto the international stage. His blend of speed, agility and defensive tenacity makes him a candidate for a back‑row or centre position, especially if England seek to inject fresh attacking impetus.
**Oliver Partington – The Work‑horse Forward** International caps: 0 Among Wigan fans, Oliver Partington is revered for his relentless work rate throughout the 2026 Super League season. He consistently puts in the hard yards, covering the field, making countless tackles and providing the kind of gritty effort that often goes unnoticed in highlight reels but is vital in high‑pressure games. While he faces stiff competition for a starting role, his consistency and willingness to do the “dirty work” could see him considered as a utility forward for England, particularly as a bench option who can shore up the middle when required. **Matty Nicholson – The NRL Bench Threat** International caps: 2 Although not a Super League player, Matty Nicholson’s recent bench appearances for the Canberra Raiders have reignited interest from the England selectors.
The new England coach has explicitly stated he will monitor both the Super League and NRL for talent, and Nicholson’s form in the Australian competition could earn him a late call‑up. His experience at the highest club level, combined with his physicality, positions him as a plausible candidate for a forward slot should England need additional depth. **Potential Late‑Call Candidates – A Wider View** Beyond the individuals highlighted, a broader list of players is currently on the periphery of England’s selection radar. These include junior talents such as Junior Nsemba, Ethan Havard, Luke Thompson, and Sam Walters; seasoned campaigners like Brad O'Neill, Jake Wardle, Harry Smith, and Zach Eckersley; and established internationals such as Kallum Watkins, Mikolaj Oledzki, Ash Handley, and Jake Connor.
From the NRL side, names like Kai Pearce‑Paul, Victor Radley, Billy Smith, AJ Brimson, and Morgan Knowles are also being watched. The depth of talent across both hemispheres means McDermott has a substantial pool to draw from, and the final squad will likely be a blend of proven veterans, emerging Super League stars, and NRL performers who have shown they can adapt to the international game. **Why Late Bolters Matter** Historically, England’s World Cup squads have benefited from late additions who arrived at peak form just before the tournament.
These players bring fresh energy, tactical flexibility and an element of surprise that can unsettle opponents. In a competition where England will face the likes of Australia, New Zealand and Tonga, having a bench capable of changing the momentum of a match is crucial. **The Road Ahead** As the season approaches its climax, the performance squad will be under intense scrutiny. Coaches will be evaluating not only individual statistics but also how players fit into the team’s strategic framework.
The final weeks will see a flurry of form‑based selections, injury updates and tactical considerations. For those outside the initial 38, the window is narrow but not closed – a string of standout performances, a decisive impact in a high‑profile match, or a strong endorsement from a club coach could be enough to tip the scales.
In summary, while the core of England’s World Cup squad is already identified, several players – Tom Holroyd, Umyla Hanley, Oliver Partington, Matty Nicholson and a host of other emerging talents – remain in contention for a late‑call spot. Their continued form, adaptability and the strategic needs of Brian McDermott’s side will determine whether they join the England contingent heading to Australia for the Rugby League World Cup.