With the Rugby League World Cup only two months away, every Super League player is keeping the thought of a flight to Australia in the back of their mind. In June, newly appointed England coach Brian McDermott unveiled a 38‑man performance squad, featuring ten uncapped players, that he will work with throughout the season to sharpen England’s chances for the October tournament.
Among the seasoned stars, Leeds Rhinos’ Jake Connor – the reigning Man of Steel – has not worn the England jersey for seven years and was omitted from Shaun Wane’s side that suffered a 3‑0 Ashes whitewash at home to Australia last autumn. Yet Connor has re‑entered the conversation, and his resurgence could prove pivotal. The ten newcomers named by McDermott include Wakefield Trinity’s dynamic half‑back Jake Trueman and powerful forward Caleb Hamlin‑Uele, Wigan Warriors’ promising youngster Sam Walters and versatile back Zach Eckersley, Hull KR’s hard‑working centre Dean Hadley and St Helens’ emerging talent Harry Robertson. While the squad list is extensive, it does not close the door on other hopefuls who may make a late‑season push.
Below we examine a selection of players who have been performing at a level that could earn them a surprise call‑up as England finalises its World Cup roster. **Tom Holroyd – Super‑Sub Sensation** International caps: 1 Holroyd has become the definition of a game‑changing impact player in the latter stages of this campaign. His physicality off the bench is evident every time he steps onto the field, and his ability to break defensive lines has drawn praise from his Castleford head coach Brad Arthur. Arthur believes Holroyd, alongside fellow bench option Cameron Smith, could provide England with a crucial edge against Australia.
> "Tom’s aggression and the way he hits the line can turn a match in an instant. Cameron’s footwork, passing and off‑load ability add a different dimension to the attack. If you want to beat Australia you need to score, not just defend, and both of these men can help with that," Arthur said.
Given England’s depth in the middle, Holroyd’s rising profile suggests he is now on the radar for a potential late inclusion. **Umyla Hanley – Leigh Leopards’ Emerging Attacker** International caps: 0 Since returning from injury, Hanley has been a standout for Leigh Leopards, particularly in the attacking third. 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 become an outspoken advocate for his player, insisting that Hanley possesses the temperament for international competition. > "That tackle on Ryan Hall at the end of the game – if anyone told me a try would be saved by a player, I’d have pointed to him. He’s the ultimate competitor I’ve ever coached, and I challenge anyone in Super League to match his drive," Lam asserted. Hanley’s blend of speed, strength and relentless work‑rate makes him a strong candidate for a late‑season England call‑up.
**Oliver Partington – Wigan’s Unsung Workhorse** International caps: 0 Speak to any Wigan supporter and you’ll hear how vital Partington has been to the club’s 2026 Super League campaign. He consistently puts in the hard yards, covers the defensive line, and offers a reliable option off the bench.
While he may not generate the flash‑in‑the‑pan moments that dominate highlight reels, his consistency and willingness to take on any role are exactly the qualities coaches value in high‑pressure tournaments. Partington’s competition for a starting spot is stiff, but his steady performances could earn him a place as a utility player in England’s squad. **Matty Nicholson – NRL Bench Option** International caps: 2 Although not a Super League player, Nicholson’s recent appearances for the Canberra Raiders cannot be ignored.
He has been used off the bench in the Raiders’ final fixtures and, if he finds a run of form, he could become a serious contender for McDermott’s side. The England coach has explicitly stated he will monitor both the NRL and Super League, meaning Nicholson’s performances in Australia will be under close scrutiny.
**Other Players Worth Watching** A broader look at the talent pool reveals a host of individuals who could still break into the final roster. Among them are: - Junior Nsemba, Ethan Havard and Luke Thompson (Leeds Rhinos) - Sam Walters, Brad O’Neill, Jake Wardle, Harry Smith and Zach Eckersley (Wigan Warriors) - Kallum Watkins, Mikolaj Oledzki and Ash Handley (Leeds Rhinos) - Ben Currie, Danny Walker, George Williams and Matty Ashton (Warrington Wolves) - Kai Pearce‑Paul (Wests Tigers) and Dean Hadley, Jez Litten, Mikey Lewis (Hull KR) - Morgan Smithies and Jayden Brailey (Canberra Raiders) - Victor Radley, Billy Smith (Sydney Roosters) and 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 Bulldogs) and Ben Talty (Brisbane Broncos) - Dom Young (Newcastle Knights) Each of these athletes has demonstrated form, versatility or a particular skill set that could fill a niche within the England squad. The coaching staff will be weighing factors such as recent performance, injury status, positional balance and the ability to adapt to the fast‑paced, physical demands of World Cup rugby.
**The Road Ahead** As the season draws to a close, the England management will continue to assess players in both domestic and overseas competitions. The final squad will need a mix of experience, raw talent, and tactical flexibility to compete with the world’s best, especially against a dominant Australian side. Late‑season surges, bench impact players, and those who have proven themselves in high‑pressure club matches will all be under the microscope. Fans can follow the ongoing debate through Sky Sports’ comprehensive coverage of the Super League, which broadcasts every game live this season, with two matches each round shown exclusively and the remaining fixtures available on Sky Sports+.
The conversation about who will ultimately earn a spot on the England plane to Australia is far from settled, and the next few weeks promise to deliver plenty of excitement and speculation.