The Rugby League World Cup is now only two months away, and every Super League player is undoubtedly keeping the idea of a flight to Australia in the back of their mind. In June, England’s newly appointed head coach Brian McDermott revealed a 38‑man performance squad.
That group includes ten players who have never yet worn the England jersey, and it represents the pool from which McDermott will shape a side that can compete at the highest level in October. One of the most eye‑catching stories in the current conversation is the return of Leeds Rhinos star Jake Connor. The reigning Man of Steel has not represented England for seven years and was omitted from Shaun Wane’s side that suffered a 3‑0 Ashes defeat to Australia last autumn. Connor’s resurgence has sparked fresh debate about whether he can force his way back into the national picture.
The ten uncapped players named in the performance squad are Wakefield Trinity’s dynamic half‑back Jake Trueman and forward Caleb Hamlin‑Uele, Wigan Warriors’ promising youngster Sam Walters and utility back Zach Eckersley, Hull KR’s versatile forward Dean Hadley and St Helens’ emerging talent Harry Robertson. While these names have already secured a place on McDermott’s radar, there are still several players outside the 38‑man list who could make a late surge. Below we examine a selection of those potential "bolters" – players whose recent form, versatility or sheer determination may persuade the coach to add them to the travelling party.
**Tom Holroyd – Impact Super‑Sub** International caps: 1 Tom Holroyd has become the definition of a super‑sub in the latter stages of the season. His physical presence off the bench has turned games around for his club, and his aggression and ball‑carrying ability have not gone unnoticed. Castleford head coach Brad Arthur has openly suggested that Holroyd deserves a look for the England squad, even naming fellow bench player Cameron Smith as another possible option.
Arthur praised Holroyd’s ability to change the point of attack with his footwork, passing and off‑load, arguing that England will need players who can both defend stoutly and create scoring opportunities against a formidable Australian side. Given England’s depth in the middle, Holroyd’s inclusion would add a fresh dimension and a different style of impact. **Umyla Hanley – Emerging Attacking Threat** International caps: 0 Since returning from a long‑term injury, Leigh Leopards’ Umyla Hanley has impressed with his attacking flair. He earned a place on the Man of Steel shortlist during the middle part of the season and was instrumental in Leigh’s emphatic victory over Leeds in round 23.
Leigh head coach Adrian Lam has become a vocal advocate for his player, highlighting a decisive tackle on Ryan Hall that helped secure a crucial try. Lam described Hanley as the most competitive player he has ever coached, challenging anyone in the Super League to match his intensity. If Hanley can maintain his form and stay injury‑free, he could become a serious contender for a bench role or even a starting spot.
**Oliver Partington – Work‑horse Consistency** International caps: 0 Wigan fans will tell you that Oliver Partington has been indispensable throughout the 2026 Super League campaign. Known for his relentless work rate, Partington does the hard yards that often go unnoticed but are vital to a team’s success. He is willing to take on any role, whether that means making crucial tackles, providing quick play‑the‑ball or supporting the attack.
While competition for his position is fierce, his consistency and willingness to put the team first make him a strong candidate for a late call‑up, especially if injuries or fatigue affect other forwards. **Matty Nicholson – NRL Experience on the Horizon** International caps: 2 Although not a Super League player, Matty Nicholson deserves mention because of his recent performances for the Canberra Raiders in the NRL.
After returning to the bench for the Raiders in the last few games, Nicholson has shown flashes of the power and skill that could translate well to the international arena. Coach McDermott has explicitly stated that he will be monitoring NRL talent as well as Super League players, meaning Nicholson’s form could put him squarely in the conversation for an England spot. **Potential Late‑Call Candidates – A Wider View** Beyond the individuals highlighted above, there is a broader pool of talent that could be considered. Players such as Junior Nsemba, Ethan Havard, Luke Thompson and Brad O’Neill have all displayed strong performances for their clubs.
Wigan’s Jake Wardle and Harry Smith, Leeds’s Kallum Watkins and Ash Handley, and Warrington’s Ben Currie and Danny Walker have each had periods of form that could catch the coach’s eye. Even players from the NRL like Kai Pearce‑Paul (Wests Tigers), Victor Radley (Sydney Roosters) and AJ Brimson (Gold Coast Titans) could be monitored if they demonstrate the right blend of experience and current form. **Why Late Bolters Matter** The Rugby League World Cup will be a grueling tournament, and depth will be crucial. Injuries, fatigue and the need for tactical flexibility mean that a squad that can adapt on the fly will have a distinct advantage.
Late‑call players can bring fresh energy, specific skill sets or a different style of play that may be required against particular opponents. Moreover, the psychological boost of knowing there are hungry, in‑form players waiting on the bench can drive the entire squad to higher standards. **Conclusion** As the October deadline approaches, England’s coaching staff will be scrutinising every match, every statistic and every training session.
While the 38‑man performance squad provides a solid foundation, the possibility of late additions remains very real. Players like Tom Holroyd, Umyla Hanley, Oliver Partington and Matty Nicholson exemplify the type of form‑driven, high‑intensity performances that could tip the scales. Whether they ultimately earn a place on the plane to Australia will depend on their ability to sustain their current levels, avoid injury and convince McDermott that they can add something unique to the team.
The race for those final spots is heating up, and fans can expect the final England roster to be a blend of established internationals, promising newcomers and perhaps a few surprise late‑call bolters who have seized the moment at just the right time.