England’s senior coach, Brian McDermott, has bolstered his performance group by bringing in Leigh Leopards centre Umyla Hanley and Sydney Roosters scrum‑half Hugo Savala as the nation prepares for the upcoming Rugby League World Cup later this year. Both players have been rewarded for their recent displays in domestic competition, and their inclusion reflects McDermott’s policy of keeping the door open for in‑form talent to earn a place in the final World Cup roster.
Umyla Hanley, who earned a spot on the Super League Dream Team for the 2025 season, has been a catalyst for Leigh since returning from a long‑term injury in May. In the twelve matches he has featured in, the Leopards have won nine, a run in which Hanley contributed six tries and ten try‑assists.
His ability to break defensive lines and create opportunities for teammates has made him a standout performer and a natural candidate for international consideration. Hugo Savala, the 24‑year‑old half‑back from the Sydney Roosters, has also attracted considerable attention with his play in the NRL.
The Roosters sit second on the ladder this season, and Savala has added eight tries to his tally, demonstrating both his attacking flair and his composure under pressure. Born in Randwick, a suburb of Sydney, 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.
McDermott explained the rationale behind the additions, saying, "When we announced the original 38‑player England Performance Group we made it clear that the squad was not set in stone and that there would be ample opportunity for other players to earn a place through form and consistency before the final World Cup list is confirmed. Umyla and Hugo have done exactly that with their superb performances for Leigh and the Roosters respectively." He continued, "We are now entering the most intensive and competitive phase of the season, and the door remains open for anyone to force their way into the reckoning.
There is still a lot at stake in the remaining regular‑season fixtures and the upcoming finals, and every player will be fighting for a spot." The announcement comes at a crucial juncture for England, as the team will begin its World Cup campaign in less than two months. Their opening match is scheduled for Saturday, 17 October, against Tonga at HBF Park in Perth. England will then travel to Perth again to face France on 24 October before concluding the group stage with a clash against Papua New Guinea at WIN Stadium in Wollongong on Friday, 30 October. The expanded performance squad now includes a blend of seasoned internationals and emerging talents from across the Super League and the NRL.
Among the names listed are Junior Nsemba, Ethan Havard, Luke Thompson, Sam Walters and Brad O'Neill, all of whom ply their trade with the Wigan Warriors. The roster also features Wigan’s Jake Wardle and Harry Smith, as well as Zach Eckersley. From Leeds Rhinos, the squad lists Kallum Watkins, Mikolaj Oledzki, Ash Handley and Jake Connor. Warrington Wolves contribute Ben Currie, Danny Walker, George Williams and Matty Ashton.
The Wests Tigers are represented by Kai Pearce‑Paul, while Hull KR adds Dean Hadley, Jez Litten and Mikey Lewis. From the NRL side, the group includes Canberra Raiders’ Morgan Smithies and Jayden Brailey, Sydney Roosters’ Victor Radley, Billy Smith and Hugo Savala, Gold Coast Titans’ AJ Brimson, St Helens’ Jack Welsby, Alex Walmsley, Daryl Clark, Harry Robertson, Dolphins’ Morgan Knowles and Herbie Farnworth, Wakefield’s Mike McMeeken, Caleb Hamlin‑Uele, Jake Trueman and Tom Johnstone, Canterbury Bulldogs’ Max King, Brisbane Broncos’ Ben Talty, Newcastle Knights’ Dominic Young and, of course, Leigh’s own Umyla Hanley. The inclusion of Hanley and Savala underscores McDermott’s commitment to rewarding form and ensuring that the England squad remains competitive on the global stage.
Their recent statistics – Hanley’s six tries and ten try‑assists in a short span, and Savala’s eight tries in a high‑pressure NRL environment – provide tangible evidence of their impact. Beyond the raw numbers, both players bring complementary skill sets. Hanley’s size, speed, and vision make him a potent threat in the midfield, capable of breaking tackles and delivering precise passes that unlock defensive structures. Savala, on the other hand, offers a sharp tactical mind, quick distribution from the ruck, and an ability to read the game that can dictate the tempo for England’s attack.
As the World Cup draws nearer, the competition for places will intensify, and the performance group will likely see further adjustments based on injuries, form fluctuations, and strategic considerations. McDermott’s open‑door policy means that any player who can maintain a high standard in the remaining Super League fixtures or the NRL finals could still earn a call‑up. Fans eager to follow England’s preparation can stream Super League matches, purchase tickets for upcoming games, and stay updated with the latest league tables. The Bench podcast, hosted by Jenna and Jon, offers in‑depth analysis and discussion of team selections, player form, and tactical trends.
For the best viewing experience, the league recommends using the Chrome browser to access the video player. In summary, the addition of Umyla Hanley and Hugo Savala to England’s performance squad reflects a merit‑based approach that values recent excellence. Their inclusion adds depth to the squad and provides Coach McDermott with additional options as he fine‑tunes the team for the World Cup.
With a challenging group‑stage schedule ahead, England will be looking to harness the momentum generated by these players and the broader pool of talent to launch a successful campaign on Australian soil.