With the Rugby League World Cup only two months away, every Super League player is keeping the prospect of boarding a plane to Australia in the back of their mind. In June, England’s new head coach Brian McDermott announced a 38‑man performance squad, a mix of established internationals and ten uncapped newcomers, that will be groomed throughout the season for the October tournament. Among the seasoned players is Leeds Rhinos star Jake Connor, the reigning Man of Steel, who has not worn the England jersey for seven years and was omitted from Shaun Wane’s side that suffered a 3‑0 Ashes loss to Australia last autumn.
Connor’s re‑entry into the conversation signals that the coach is willing to reconsider past selections. The ten fresh faces named by McDermott include Wakefield Trinity’s promising half Jake Trueman and forward Caleb Hamlin‑Uele, Wigan Warriors’ dynamic youngster Sam Walters and versatile back Zach Eckersley, Hull KR’s hard‑working prop Dean Hadley and St Helens’ emerging talent Harry Robertson. While those names dominate the official list, the question remains: could players outside the 38 still force their way onto the final roster with a late‑season surge?
Below we examine several Super League performers who have been making strong cases for a surprise call‑up. **Tom Holroyd – Impact Substitute with a Growing Reputation** International caps: 1 Tom Holroyd has become the archetype of a super‑sub in the latter stages of the campaign. His combination of raw physicality, aggressive tackling and the ability to break defensive lines has drawn praise from his Castleford coach Brad Arthur. Arthur believes Holroyd, alongside fellow bench option Cameron Smith, could provide England with a decisive edge against Australia.
"Tom’s impact and aggression, and Cameron’s footwork, passing and off‑load ability, give you a real chance to score points," Arthur said. With England looking for a spark off the bench, Holroyd’s rising profile makes him a plausible late‑bolter. **Umyla Hanley – Leigh Leopards’ Emerging Attacker** International caps: 0 Since returning from a serious injury, Umyla Hanley has been a revelation for Leigh Leopards. His attacking flair earned him a spot on the Man of Steel shortlist during the mid‑season and he was instrumental in Leigh’s emphatic victory over Leeds in round 23.
Leigh head coach Adrian Lam has been vocal about Hanley’s potential, highlighting a decisive tackle on Ryan Hall that prevented a late try. "He’s the ultimate competitor I’ve ever coached," Lam declared, suggesting that Hanley could soon be on England’s radar if his form continues. **Oliver Partington – The Unsung Workhorse of Wigan** International caps: 0 Wigan fans will attest that Oliver Partington has been a cornerstone of their 2026 Super League campaign.
Known for his relentless work rate, defensive reliability and willingness to do the gritty tasks that often go unnoticed, Partington exemplifies the type of player coaches value in high‑pressure matches. While he faces stiff competition in the second‑row, his consistency and leadership on the field could make him an attractive bench option for McDermott. **Matty Nicholson – NRL Bench Asset with International Aspirations** International caps: 2 Although not a Super League player, Matty Nicholson’s recent performances for the Canberra Raiders merit attention.
After returning to the NRL side as an impact substitute, Nicholson has shown the kind of athleticism and defensive solidity that could catch the eye of England’s new coach, who has explicitly stated he will monitor NRL talent as well as domestic players. A run of strong outings for the Raiders could see Nicholson re‑enter the England conversation just in time for the World Cup. **Additional Players Worth Monitoring** Beyond the standout names above, a deeper pool of talent is pushing for recognition. 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, Jez Litten, Mikey Lewis, Morgan Smithies, Jayden Brailey, Victor Radley, Billy Smith, AJ Brimson, Jack Welsby, Alex Walmsley, Daryl Clark, Morgan Knowles, Herbie Farnworth, Mike McMeeken, and Dom Young are all delivering solid performances for their clubs.
Consistency, versatility and the ability to adapt to different game plans could see any of them earn a late call‑up. **Why Late Bolters Matter** The World Cup will pit England against the world’s elite, most notably a powerful Australian side. To compete, England must blend experience with fresh energy.
Late‑season form can reveal players who thrive under pressure, possess a hunger to prove themselves and bring new tactical options. Bench players who can change the momentum of a game, as highlighted by Brad Arthur’s comments on Holroyd and Smith, are especially valuable in a tournament where depth often decides outcomes.
**Looking Ahead** As the Super League season reaches its climax, coaches will scrutinise every match, every tackle, and every line break. Players who have been on the periphery must seize every opportunity to showcase their skill set, whether through try‑scoring bursts, defensive heroics, or simply out‑working their peers in training. The final England squad will likely be a blend of the 38‑man performance group, the ten uncapped newcomers, and a handful of late‑season surprise selections who have forced the selectors’ hands. In summary, while the official list provides a solid foundation, the dynamic nature of sport means that England’s World Cup roster could still evolve.
Tom Holroyd’s bench impact, Umyla Hanley’s attacking spark, Oliver Partington’s work‑rate, and Matty Nicholson’s NRL form are all compelling cases for inclusion. As the tournament approaches, fans should keep an eye on these players and the many others pushing for that coveted spot on the flight to Australia.