England’s head coach, Brian McDermott, has announced the inclusion of two promising players—Leigh Leopards centre Umyla Hanley and Sydney Roosters half‑back Hugo Savala—into the national performance group as the team prepares for the upcoming Rugby League World Cup later this year. The move underscores McDermott’s willingness to reward form and fitness, offering a pathway for players who have excelled at club level to earn a place in the final World Cup roster. Umyla Hanley, a dynamic centre for the Leigh Leopards, has been a standout performer since returning from a lengthy injury lay‑off in May.
In the short span of his comeback, Hanley has crossed the try‑line six times and has set up an additional ten tries for his teammates. His contributions have been instrumental in Leigh’s impressive run, where the side has secured victory in nine of the twelve matches in which he has featured.
The quality of his play was recognised in 2025 when he earned a spot on the Super League Dream Team, a testament to his skill, speed, and defensive reliability. Hanley’s resurgence has not only bolstered Leigh’s campaign but also caught the eye of the national selectors, prompting his elevation to the England performance squad.
Equally noteworthy is the addition of Hugo Savala, a 24‑year‑old half‑back who has been a key figure for the Sydney Roosters in the NRL. Savala, a product of the Roosters’ development system, hails from the Sydney suburb of Randwick and qualifies for England through his mother, who was born in England. His performances this season have drawn widespread acclaim; the Roosters currently sit second on the NRL ladder, and Savala has contributed eight tries of his own. Known for his incisive play‑making, crisp passing, and tactical kicking, he has become an integral part of the Roosters’ attacking structure.
His eligibility and form make him a valuable asset for England, offering a blend of Southern Hemisphere experience and a direct connection to the English heritage. McDermott explained the rationale behind the late additions, stating, “When we announced the original 38‑player England Performance Group we made it clear that the door remained open for others to earn a place through their club performances before the final World Cup squad is locked in.
Umyla and Hugo have done exactly that with their outstanding form for Leigh Leopards and Sydney Roosters.” He emphasized that the period leading up to the tournament is the most intense and competitive phase of the season, and that players who continue to excel can still influence the final selection. “There’s still an opportunity for a player to force his way into the reckoning. It’s all to play for as regards the last few regular fixtures and finals,” McDermott added.
The inclusion of Hanley and Savala reflects a broader strategy by the England coaching staff to blend domestic talent with players who have proven themselves in the high‑pressure environment of the NRL. This approach aims to create a squad capable of adapting to different styles of play and conditions they will encounter in the World Cup, which will be staged across several Australian venues. England’s World Cup schedule begins in less than two months, with a Group Stage opener against Tonga on Saturday, 17 October, at HBF Park in Perth.
The team will then travel to Perth again to face France on 24 October before concluding the group phase with a match against Papua New Guinea at WIN Stadium in Wollongong on Friday, 30 October. These fixtures will test the squad’s cohesion, depth, and ability to execute game plans against diverse opponents.
The broader England squad list features a blend of seasoned internationals and emerging talent. Among the veterans are Junior Nsemba, Ethan Havard, Luke Thompson, Sam Walters, Brad O'Neill, Jake Wardle, Harry Smith, and Zach Eckersley—all from Wigan Warriors—as well as Kallum Watkins, Mikolaj Oledzki, Ash Handley, and Jake Connor from Leeds Rhinos.
The Warrington Wolves are represented by Ben Currie, Danny Walker, George Williams, and Matty Ashton. Hull KR contributes Kai Pearce‑Paul, Dean Hadley, Jez Litten, and Mikey Lewis.
From the NRL, Canberra Raiders’ Morgan Smithies and Jayden Brailey, as well as Sydney Roosters’ Victor Radley, Billy Smith, and Hugo Savala, have earned places. Additional selections include AJ Brimson (Gold Coast Titans), Jack Welsby, Alex Walmsley, Daryl Clark, Harry Robertson (St Helens), Morgan Knowles and Herbie Farnworth (Dolphins), Mike McMeeken, Caleb Hamlin‑Uele, Jake Trueman, Tom Johnstone (Wakefield), Max King (Canterbury Bulldogs), Ben Talty (Brisbane Broncos), Dominic Young (Newcastle Knights), and Umyla Hanley (Leigh Leopards).
The expanded performance squad gives coach McDermott a larger pool of players to assess during the final rounds of the Super League season and the NRL’s concluding fixtures. It also provides a competitive environment where each player must maintain high standards to secure a spot in the ultimate 24‑man World Cup roster. By monitoring form, fitness, and adaptability, the England management hopes to field a balanced side capable of challenging for the title on Australian soil. Fans can follow the progress of the England squad through live Super League broadcasts, ticket sales for upcoming matches, and the latest league tables.
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In summary, the strategic addition of Umyla Hanley and Hugo Savala to England’s performance group highlights the coaching staff’s commitment to rewarding merit and ensuring the national team is equipped with a mix of experience, skill, and form heading into the Rugby League World Cup. Their continued contributions at club level will be closely watched as the final squad is determined, and they now have a clear pathway to represent England on the world stage.