With the Rugby League World Cup only two months away, every Super League player is keeping the idea of a flight to Australia in the back of their mind. In June, newly appointed England head coach Brian McDermott unveiled a 38‑man performance squad, a group that includes ten uncapped players. Over the course of the season he will work with this pool, aiming to have England as ready as possible for the October tournament. Among the familiar faces is Leeds Rhinos star and current Man of Steel winner Jake Connor.
Connor has not worn the England jersey for seven years and was omitted by former coach Shaun Wane when the side suffered a 3‑0 Ashes defeat to Australia on home soil last autumn. Now, under McDermott, he has re‑entered the conversation. The ten newcomers in the squad are 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 the list of 38 is not the whole story – there are still players outside the official group who could make a late surge and force a place on the flight to the Southern Hemisphere. Below we examine a handful of those who have been performing so well that they may become the so‑called "bolters" – late‑call candidates who could be added to the final England roster. **Tom Holroyd – Super‑Sub Sensation** International caps: 1 Tom Holroyd has become the archetype of a super‑sub in the latter stages of this season.
His physical presence off the bench has turned games around, and his impact is evident to anyone watching. Castleford head coach Brad Arthur has publicly argued that Holroyd deserves a spot on the England plane if the team wants a different dimension. Arthur also highlighted fellow bench player Cameron Smith as a potential option. "I think Cameron and Tom are showing off the bench that they could provide a really good option for that team," Arthur said.
"Tom, with his impact and his aggression, and Cameron – he comes on and can change the point of attack with his footwork, his pass, and his off‑load. And I just think if you're going to try and beat Australia, you're not going to be able to defend your way to victory; you're going to need to be able to score points and both of those guys can help with that." England already have a wealth of talent in the middle, but Holroyd’s recent form could easily put him on the coaching staff’s radar. **Umyla Hanley – Rising Attack Threat** International caps: 0 Since returning from a lengthy injury lay‑off, Umyla Hanley has been a revelation for Leigh Leopards.
His attacking instincts have sharpened, and he was even mentioned in the Man of Steel shortlist during the mid‑season period. Hanley played a pivotal role in Leigh’s emphatic victory over Leeds in round 23, showcasing his ability to break lines and finish tries. Leigh head coach Adrian Lam has become an outspoken advocate for his player, insisting that Hanley has a bright international future.
"That tackle he made at the end of the game on Ryan Hall to get his foot across the line – if anyone had told me someone was going to save a try at the end of the game, I would have said it was him, and all of his teammates would have said the same," Lam explained. "He's the ultimate competitor I've coached.
No, he's the number one player I've coached in my life that competes better than anyone, and I challenge that to anyone in Super League." If McDermott is looking for a dynamic edge in the backline, Hanley could be a compelling choice. **Oliver Partington – The Unsung Workhorse** International caps: 0 Talk to any Wigan fan and they will tell you how essential Oliver Partington has been in the club’s 2026 campaign. Partington may not light up highlight reels with dazzling footwork, but his relentless work rate, defensive reliability and willingness to do the hard yards make him the type of player coaches love to have on a tour. In big matches, it is often the steady, gritty contributions rather than flash that win games.
Partington consistently delivers in those areas, and while competition for his position is fierce, his consistency could earn him a late call‑up. **Matty Nicholson – NRL Bench Power** International caps: 2 Although not a Super League player, Matty Nicholson deserves mention. The forward has been used off the bench for the Canberra Raiders in the last few NRL fixtures and, if he finds a run of form, he could attract the attention of England’s new boss.
McDermott has explicitly said he will monitor both Super League and NRL performances, so a player like Nicholson, who brings NRL intensity, has a genuine chance to re‑enter the international picture. **Other Potential Late‑Call Candidates** Beyond the individuals highlighted above, a long list of players remains on the periphery of selection. Some are established internationals who have slipped out of form, while others are younger talents who have broken through at club level. The following names have been cited by pundits and coaches as possible bolters: - Junior Nsemba, Ethan Havard, Luke Thompson, Sam Walters, Brad O'Neill, Jake Wardle, Harry Smith, Zach Eckersley (all Wigan Warriors) - Kallum Watkins, Mikolaj Oledzki, Ash Handley, Jake Connor (all Leeds Rhinos) - Ben Currie, Danny Walker, George Williams, Matty Ashton (all Warrington Wolves) - Kai Pearce‑Paul (Wests Tigers), Dean Hadley, Jez Litten, Mikey Lewis (all Hull KR) - Morgan Smithies, Jayden Brailey (both Canberra Raiders) - Victor Radley, Billy Smith (both Sydney Roosters) - AJ Brimson (Gold Coast Titans), Jack Welsby, Alex Walmsley, Daryl Clark, Harry Robertson (all St Helens) - Morgan Knowles, Herbie Farnworth (both Dolphins) - Mike McMeeken, Caleb Hamlin‑Uele, Jake Trueman, Tom Johnstone (all Wakefield) - Matt King (Canterbury Bulldogs), Ben Talty (Brisbane Broncos), Dom Young (Newcastle Knights) These players represent a blend of experience and emerging talent across both hemispheres.
McDermott’s scouting network will be watching their performances closely as the World Cup draws near. **Why Late Bolters Matter** The England coaching staff knows that a tournament as demanding as the World Cup requires depth. Injuries, loss of form, or tactical adjustments can all necessitate changes to the squad after the initial announcement.
By keeping an eye on in‑form players like Holroyd, Hanley, Partington and Nicholson, England can ensure it has the right blend of power, creativity and resilience to compete against the likes of Australia, New Zealand and Fiji. **Conclusion** While the 38‑man performance squad announced by Brian McDermott forms the core of England’s preparation, the door remains open for late‑call players who have impressed in the latter stages of the Super League or NRL seasons.
Tom Holroyd’s bench impact, Umyla Hanley’s attacking flair, Oliver Partington’s relentless work ethic, and Matty Nicholson’s NRL experience are all compelling arguments for a final squad injection. As the World Cup approaches, fans can expect the England management to continue monitoring these and other potential bolters, ensuring that the final team sent to Australia is as strong, versatile, and battle‑ready as possible.