England Late‑Call Candidates: Who Could Still Earn a Rugby League World Cup Spot?

With the Rugby League World Cup only two months away, every Super League star is keeping the thought of a flight to Australia in the back of their mind. In June, England’s newly appointed head coach Brian McDermott unveiled a 38‑man performance squad, a blend of seasoned internationals and ten uncapped newcomers, that he will work with throughout the season to sharpen the side for the October showdown.

Among the veterans, Leeds Rhinos centre Jake Connor – the reigning Man of Steel – finally re‑enters the conversation after a seven‑year hiatus from England duty and being omitted from Shaun Wane’s squad for the 3‑0 Ashes loss to the Kangaroos last autumn. The ten fresh faces 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.

But what about the players who missed the initial 38? Is there still a realistic chance for a late‑call, a "bolter" who can force his way onto the plane?

Below we examine a handful of performers whose recent form, versatility and impact could make them serious late‑selection candidates. **Tom Holroyd – The Impact Super‑Sub** International caps: 1 Holroyd has become the definition of a super‑sub in the latter stages of the 2024‑25 Super League campaign. His physicality, relentless tackling and ability to change the momentum of a game have not gone unnoticed.

Hull FC coach Brad Arthur has openly suggested that both Holroyd and fellow bench option Cameron Smith deserve serious consideration for England’s World Cup squad. "Tom’s aggression and the way he hits the line can give us a real edge, while Cameron can switch the point of attack with his footwork and off‑load," Arthur explained.

If England wants to break down the Australian defence, having a player who can both win the battle up front and create attacking opportunities off the bench could be invaluable. Holroyd’s growing reputation makes him a plausible late‑call, especially if injuries or loss of form affect the current midfield selections. **Umyla Hanley – Emerging Attacking Threat** International caps: 0 Since returning from a serious injury, Leigh Leopards winger Umyla Hanley has been a revelation in attack. He was even mentioned in the Man of Steel shortlist during the mid‑season period and played a pivotal role in Leigh’s emphatic victory over Leeds in round 23.

Leigh head coach Adrian Lam has become an outspoken advocate for his player, recalling a decisive tackle on Ryan Hall that prevented a late try and praising Hanley as "the ultimate competitor" he has ever coached. Lam believes Hanley possesses the temperament and skill set to thrive on the international stage, and his continued form could force McDermott to look beyond the original squad.

**Oliver Partington – The Work‑horse Engine** International caps: 0 Wigan fans will tell you that Oliver Partington has been the engine of their 2025‑26 Super League season. A tireless forward who does the hard yards, Partington’s willingness to put his hand up for any role makes him a quintessential team player. In high‑pressure games, coaches often value consistency and effort over flashiness, and Partington consistently delivers in those areas.

While the competition for back‑row places is fierce, his standout performances throughout the season could earn him a late invitation, particularly if the coaching staff seeks a player with proven durability and a high work rate. **Matty Nicholson – NRL Bench Power** International caps: 2 (NRL) Although not a Super League player, it would be negligent to ignore Matty Nicholson, who has recently returned to the Canberra Raiders bench and shown promising form. McDermott has explicitly stated that he will monitor NRL talent as closely as domestic players, meaning Nicholson’s resurgence could place him back on England’s radar. If he strings together a series of impactful appearances, the new England boss may view him as a valuable addition, especially given his experience against top‑level opposition in the NRL.

**Potential Late‑Call Candidates – A Wider Look** Beyond the highlighted individuals, a deeper pool of players could still make a case for inclusion. Wingers and centres such as Junior Nsemba, Ethan Havard, Luke Thompson and Jake Wardle have all posted strong try‑scoring numbers. In the halves, Brad O’Neill and Harry Smith have demonstrated creative play‑making abilities that could complement the existing spine of the squad. Forward options like Kallum Watkins, Mikolaj Oledzki, Ash Handley and Dean Hadley provide a blend of power and agility that could be useful in a tournament setting.

From the NRL, England‑eligible talents such as Kai Pearce‑Paul (Wests Tigers), Victor Radley and Billy Smith (Sydney Roosters), AJ Brimson (Gold Coast Titans) and the Dolphins duo Morgan Knowles and Herbie Farnworth are all on McDermott’s watchlist. Their recent performances in a highly competitive league add depth to the pool of potential late selections. **Why Late Bolters Matter** The World Cup is a condensed tournament where injuries, fatigue and tactical adjustments can quickly reshape a squad’s needs. Coaches often keep a shortlist of fringe players who can be called up at short notice to cover unforeseen gaps.

In England’s case, the combination of a demanding Super League schedule, the physical toll of a long season, and the high intensity of international opposition means that having a few extra, versatile players on standby could be the difference between a deep run and an early exit. **Conclusion** While the core 38‑man group announced by McDermott forms the backbone of England’s World Cup aspirations, the performances of Tom Holroyd, Umyla Hanley, Oliver Partington, Matty Nicholson and a host of other in‑form players suggest that the final squad may still see a few late additions. Their recent form, adaptability and proven ability to influence games provide compelling arguments for a last‑minute call‑up.

As the tournament approaches, fans can expect the coaching staff to keep a close eye on these candidates, ready to make the necessary adjustments to give England the best possible chance of success down under.