England’s senior rugby league coach, Brian McDermott, has announced the inclusion of two promising players – Leigh Leopards centre Umyla Hanley and Sydney Roosters scrum‑half Hugo Savala – into the national performance group as the team prepares for the upcoming Rugby League World Cup later this year. Hanley, who earned a place in the 2025 Super League Dream Team, has been a standout performer for Leigh since he returned from a lengthy injury lay‑off in May.
In the twelve matches he has featured in, the Leopards have secured nine victories, a run in which Hanley has contributed six tries and ten try assists. His ability to break the line, create space for teammates and finish scoring opportunities has made him a key figure in Leigh’s attacking structure, and his form has not gone unnoticed by the national selectors. Savala, meanwhile, has been making headlines in the NRL with the Sydney Roosters, a side that currently sits second on the competition ladder. The 24‑year‑old half‑back has already crossed the try‑line eight times this season, demonstrating a blend of vision, quick decision‑making and a deft kicking game that has helped the Roosters maintain a high‑scoring offense.
Born in the Sydney suburb of Randwick, Savala qualifies for England through his mother, who was born in the United Kingdom, giving him the eligibility to represent the Three Lions on the world stage. Speaking to the press, McDermott explained the rationale behind the late additions: “When we announced the original 38‑player England Performance Group, we made it clear that the door remained open for anyone who could prove themselves before the final World Cup squad is locked in. Umyla and Hugo have seized that opportunity with their impressive displays for Leigh and the Roosters respectively.” He added that the squad is now entering the most demanding phase of the season, with the regular league fixtures and the finals series providing a final proving ground for hopefuls: “The competition is fierce and the schedule intense, but that only heightens the chance for a player to force his way into the conversation. Every match from here on matters, and the players still have a lot to play for.” The timing of the call‑up is crucial.
England’s World Cup campaign kicks off in less than two months, with a Group A clash against Tonga scheduled for Saturday, 17 October, at HBF Park in Perth. The team will then travel back to Perth to meet France on 24 October before concluding the group stage with a test against Papua New Guinea at WIN Stadium in Wollongong on Friday, 30 October.
The expanded performance group now features a blend of seasoned internationals and emerging talent from across the Super League and the NRL. Among the names listed are junior forward Junior Nsemba, prop Ethan Havard, lock Luke Thompson, hooker Sam Walters, and centre Brad O'Neill, all of whom have been regulars for their clubs. Wigan Warriors contribute a strong contingent – Jake Wardle, Harry Smith, Zach Eckersley and others – while Leeds Rhinos add Kallum Watkins, Mikolaj Oledzki, Ash Handley and Jake Connor to the mix. Warrington Wolves are represented by Ben Currie, Danny Walker, George Williams and Matty Ashton, and Hull KR supplies Kai Pearce‑Paul, Dean Hadley, Jez Litten and Mikey Lewis.
From the NRL side, the list includes Roosters stars Victor Radley, Billy Smith and Hugo Savala, as well as Canberra Raiders duo Morgan Smithies and Jayden Brailey. The Gold Coast Titans have AJ Brimson, while the Dolphins contribute Morgan Knowles and Herbie Farnworth. St Helens send Jack Welsby, Alex Walmsley, Daryl Clark and Harry Robertson, and Wakefield adds Mike McMeeken, Caleb Hamlin‑Uele, Jake Trueman and Tom Johnstone.
The Canterbury Bulldogs are represented by Max King, Brisbane Broncos by Ben Talty, and Newcastle Knights by Dominic Young. Both Hanley and Savala will now be expected to integrate into England’s training camps, adopt the team’s game plan and demonstrate how their club form can translate to the international arena. For Hanley, this means adapting his centre play to the faster, more physical demands of World Cup opposition, while still leveraging his try‑scoring instincts and ability to set up teammates. Savala, on the other hand, will need to adjust his half‑backing style to complement the English forwards and backs, using his tactical kicking and quick distribution to control the tempo of matches.
The inclusion of these two players highlights the depth of talent available to England and underscores McDermott’s commitment to rewarding form and fitness, regardless of where a player plies his trade. As the World Cup approaches, the performance group will continue to be scrutinised, with the final 24‑man squad likely to be announced after the conclusion of the Super League playoffs and the NRL finals series.
Fans can follow the build‑up through the official Super League streaming service, purchase tickets for upcoming fixtures, and stay updated with the latest league tables and podcast analysis from the Bench crew. The England men will look to build momentum from their opening match against Tonga, aiming to secure a strong start and ultimately contend for the championship title in what promises to be a fiercely contested tournament.