England’s head coach, Brian McDermott, has bolstered his performance group by adding two promising players ahead of the upcoming Rugby League World Cup. The newcomers are Leigh Leopards centre Umyla Hanley and Sydney Roosters half‑back Hugo Savala, both of whom have been delivering standout performances in their respective club competitions.
Umyla Hanley, a dynamic centre for the Leigh Leopards, earned a spot in the Super League Dream Team for the 2025 season, a testament to his impact on the field. After returning from an injury lay‑off in May, Hanley quickly re‑established himself as a key attacking weapon. In the twelve games he has played since his comeback, Leigh have won nine, and Hanley has contributed six tries of his own while setting up another ten with try‑assists.
His blend of speed, footwork and defensive solidity has made him a valuable asset for the Leopards and has not gone unnoticed by the national selectors. Hugo Savala, the 24‑year‑old half‑back from the Sydney Roosters, has also been in fine form.
The Roosters sit second on the NRL ladder this season, and Savala has been instrumental in their attacking structure. He has crossed the try‑line eight times, displaying a keen eye for gaps and an ability to orchestrate play under pressure.
Born in Randwick, a suburb of Sydney, Savala qualifies for England through his mother, who was born in England, giving him the eligibility to represent the Three Lions on the world stage. McDermott explained the rationale behind the late additions, saying, "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 named. Umyla and Hugo have done exactly that with their excellent form for Leigh and the Roosters respectively." He added that the team is now entering the most demanding phase of the season, with regular fixtures and finals providing further opportunities for players to stake their claim. "The competition is fierce, and the last few games of the season will be decisive.
Anyone who continues to perform at a high level can still force their way into the final reckoning," McDermott said. The inclusion of Hanley and Savala reflects a broader strategy by the England coaching staff to blend experienced internationals with emerging talent that is in peak form. The performance squad already includes a mix of seasoned campaigners and younger players who have been delivering consistent performances in the Super League and NRL.
Names such as Junior Nsemba, Ethan Havard, Luke Thompson, Sam Walters, Brad O'Neill, Jake Wardle, Harry Smith, Zach Eckersley, Kallum Watkins, Mikolaj Oledzki, Ash Handley, Jake Connor, Ben Currie, Danny Walker, George Williams, Matty Ashton, Kai Pearce‑Paul, Dean Hadley, Jez Litten, Mikey Lewis, Morgan Smithies, Jayden Brailey, Victor Radley, Billy Smith, Hugo Savala, AJ Brimson, Jack Welsby, Alex Walmsley, Daryl Clark, Harry Robertson, Morgan Knowles, Herbie Farnworth, Mike McMeeken, Caleb Hamlin‑Uele, Jake Trueman, Tom Johnstone, Max King, Ben Talty, Dominic Young and Umyla Hanley himself are all under consideration for the final tournament roster. England’s World Cup campaign is set to begin in less than two months, with the opening match against Tonga scheduled for Saturday, 17 October, at HBF Park in Perth. The Kangaroos‑style showdown will be followed by a clash with France on 24 October, also in Perth, before the group stage concludes with a game against Papua New Guinea at WIN Stadium in Wollongong on Friday, 30 October.
These fixtures will provide a crucial testing ground for the newly expanded squad, allowing McDermott to assess how the additions integrate with the existing core. Beyond the on‑field considerations, the selection of Hanley and Savala underscores the importance of depth and versatility in modern rugby league. Both players bring different skill sets: Hanley offers a powerful running game and an eye for creating scoring opportunities from the centre position, while Savala provides a tactical kicking game, quick decision‑making and the ability to direct play from the halves.
Their complementary abilities could give England a broader range of attacking options, particularly against the diverse styles they will encounter in the World Cup. The announcement also serves as a reminder to all players still on the fringes of selection that the performance window remains open. With the season’s most intense period approaching, every training session, every match, and every minute on the field carries added significance. As McDermott noted, the competition for places is "all to play for" as the team navigates the final regular fixtures and the looming finals.
Fans eager to follow the progress of the England squad can stream Super League matches, purchase tickets for upcoming games, and keep up with the latest league tables. The Bench podcast, hosted by Jenna and Jon, offers further analysis and insight into player performances and tactical developments.
For the best viewing experience, a Chrome browser is recommended to ensure video accessibility. In summary, the addition of Umyla Hanley and Hugo Savala to England’s performance squad reflects a proactive approach by the coaching staff to reward form and fitness ahead of the Rugby League World Cup.
Their inclusion not only strengthens the squad’s depth but also adds fresh dynamism to the team’s attacking arsenal. As the World Cup draws nearer, England will look to harness this momentum and translate club‑level success into international triumph.