With the Rugby League World Cup only two months away, every Super League player is undoubtedly dreaming of boarding the flight to Australia. In June, England’s newly appointed head coach Brian McDermott unveiled a 38‑man performance group, featuring ten uncapped talents, that he will monitor throughout the season in preparation for the October tournament.
Among the seasoned names is Leeds Rhinos star and reigning Man of Steel, Jake Connor, who has not worn the England jersey in seven years and was omitted from Shaun Wane’s squad for the 3‑0 Ashes loss to Australia last autumn. Now, however, he finds himself back in the conversation. The list of newcomers includes 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 still opportunities for players outside the initial 38 to make a late‑season surge and force their way onto the World Cup roster? Below we examine a handful of performers who have been turning heads and could become the surprise bolters England needs.
**Tom Holroyd – The Impact Super‑Sub** International caps: 1 Tom Holroyd has become the archetype of a game‑changing bench player in the latter stages of this campaign. His physical presence and ability to shift momentum have been evident week after week, and even his club boss, Brad Arthur, believes Holroyd deserves serious consideration for the England squad if the team wants a distinct edge.
Arthur also highlighted fellow reserve Cameron Smith, noting that both players can alter an attacking sequence with footwork, crisp passing and effective off‑loads. "Tom’s aggression and impact can swing a match," Arthur said.
"Cameron brings a different dimension with his creativity. If you’re planning to beat Australia, you can’t rely solely on defence – you need players who can create points, and both of them fit that bill." England already have several options in the middle of the park, but Holroyd’s recent form could see him rise onto McDermott’s radar as a viable bench option. **Umyla Hanley – A Rising Attack Threat** International caps: 0 Since returning from injury, Leigh Leopards’ Umyla Hanley has been a revelation on the attacking front.
His performances earned him a mention in the Man of Steel shortlist during the mid‑season period, and he played a pivotal role in Leigh’s emphatic victory over Leeds in round 23. Leigh head coach Adrian Lam has been vocal about Hanley’s potential, insisting the young winger has a bright international future. "That tackle on Ryan Hall at the end of the game, where he crossed the line – anyone who said ‘someone will save a try for us’ was talking about him," Lam asserted.
"He is the ultimate competitor I have ever coached. No one in Super League matches his drive, and I’ll challenge anyone to prove otherwise." If McDermott is looking for fresh speed and a relentless work ethic on the flanks, Hanley’s recent exploits make a compelling case for inclusion. **Oliver Partington – The Unsung Workhorse** International caps: 0 Talk to any Wigan supporter and they will rave about Oliver Partington’s contribution to the club’s 2026 Super League campaign.
Partington is the kind of player who does the gritty, unglamorous work that often decides big games – relentless tackling, tireless running and a willingness to do whatever the team requires. While he may not produce the flashier moments that dominate highlight reels, his consistency and effort have made him a standout in the Warriors’ side this season. With strong competition for his position, Partington’s steady performances could earn him a place as a reliable utility player in McDermott’s squad, especially if the coach values durability and versatility.
**Matty Nicholson – NRL Bench Power** International caps: 2 Although not a Super League player, it would be negligent to ignore Matty Nicholson, who has been making an impact off the bench for the Canberra Raiders in the NRL. Nicholson’s recent appearances have shown a burst of form that could catch the eye of the England coaching staff.
McDermott has explicitly stated that he will keep a close watch on NRL talent as well as domestic players, meaning Nicholson’s resurgence could translate into a late‑call for the World Cup. **Other Names to Watch** Beyond the highlighted individuals, a broader pool of talent remains on the periphery of selection. 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, Jake Trueman, Tom Johnstone, Matt King, Ben Talty and Dom Young are all performing at a level that could merit a late‑season invitation. The upcoming weeks will be crucial.
As the Super League season reaches its climax, coaches will be scrutinising every match, looking for players who can bring a different skill set, a fresh spark or a specific tactical advantage to the England side. Whether it’s a bench striker who can finish a game, a winger with blistering pace, or a forward capable of grinding out metres against the Australian pack, the final squad will likely feature a blend of established internationals and those who have earned a late‑stage surge. Fans can follow the action live on Sky Sports, which will broadcast every Super League game this season, with two matches per round shown exclusively live and the remaining fixtures available via Sky Sports+.
The race for those last few World Cup berths promises to be as intense as the tournament itself, and the players mentioned above may just become the surprise bolters England needs to compete on the world stage.