England’s national rugby league side has bolstered its performance group as head coach Brian McDermott announced the inclusion of two promising talents: Leigh Leopards centre Umyla Hanley and Sydney Roosters half‑back Hugo Savala. Both players have earned their places through standout displays in their respective clubs, and their addition comes as the England team prepares for the Rugby League World Cup scheduled for the autumn months. Umyla Hanley, a dynamic centre for the Leigh Leopards, has been a key contributor since returning from a serious injury in May.
His resurgence has been nothing short of impressive; in the twelve matches he has taken part in, Leigh have secured nine victories, a testament to the impact of his play. Hanley’s statistics speak loudly: six tries scored and ten try‑assists delivered, highlighting his dual threat as both a finisher and a creator.
His performances were further recognised when he earned a place in the Super League Dream Team for the 2025 season, an accolade reserved for the league’s elite players. This form has not gone unnoticed by the national selectors, and McDermott confirmed that Hanley’s consistency and flair have earned him a spot in the England performance squad.
Equally noteworthy is the inclusion of Hugo Savala, the 24‑year‑old half‑back who has been a linchpin for the Sydney Roosters in the NRL. Savala’s rise through the Roosters’ development system has been marked by a blend of tactical acumen, quick decision‑making, and a keen eye for the try line. This season, the Roosters sit second on the NRL ladder, and Savala has contributed eight tries himself, showcasing his ability to both orchestrate play and finish scoring opportunities.
Born in Randwick, a suburb of Sydney, Savala qualifies for England through his mother, who was born in England, making him eligible under the international eligibility rules. His heritage, combined with his on‑field achievements, has positioned him as a valuable asset for the upcoming World Cup campaign. McDermott spoke about the philosophy behind the performance group’s composition, emphasizing that the original 38‑player roster was only the starting point. "When we announced the 38 players originally selected for the England Performance Group we made it clear there was still plenty of opportunity for others to play their way into contention before the World Cup squad is announced," he said.
He went on to praise both Hanley and Savala, noting that their recent form with Leigh and the Roosters respectively had forced the selectors’ hands. "Umyla and Hugo have done just that with their excellent form for Leigh Leopards and Sydney Roosters.
We are entering the most intensive and competitive phase of the season, and the opportunity remains 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 these two players underscores the depth of talent available to England and the importance of form leading into the World Cup.
The performance squad is essentially a pool of players who will train together, compete for places, and be ready to step into the final tournament roster once the coaching staff finalises the squad. This approach allows the coaching team to assess players in a high‑performance environment, ensuring that those who are selected are both match‑fit and in sync with the team’s tactical framework. Beyond the new additions, the England camp features a blend of seasoned internationals and emerging stars from across the Super League and NRL. Notable names include Junior Nsemba, Ethan Havard, Luke Thompson, Sam Walters, Brad O'Neill, Jake Wardle, Harry Smith, Zach Eckersley from Wigan Warriors; Kallum Watkins, Mikolaj Oledzki, Ash Handley, Jake Connor from Leeds Rhinos; Ben Currie, Danny Walker, George Williams, Matty Ashton from Warrington Wolves; Kai Pearce‑Paul from the Wests Tigers; Dean Hadley, Jez Litten, Mikey Lewis from Hull KR; Morgan Smithies and Jayden Brailey from Canberra Raiders; Victor Radley, Billy Smith, Hugo Savala from the Sydney Roosters; AJ Brimson from the Gold Coast Titans; Jack Welsby, Alex Walmsley, Daryl Clark, Harry Robertson from St Helens; Morgan Knowles and Herbie Farnworth from the Dolphins; Mike McMeeken, Caleb Hamlin‑Uele, Jake Trueman, Tom Johnstone from Wakefield; Max King from Canterbury Bulldogs; Ben Talty from Brisbane Broncos; Dominic Young from Newcastle Knights; and Umyla Hanley from Leigh Leopards.
England’s World Cup schedule is set to begin in less than two months, with the opening match against Tonga on Saturday, 17 October, at HBF Park in Perth. The team will then travel to face France in Perth on 24 October before concluding the group stage against Papua New Guinea at WIN Stadium in Wollongong on Friday, 30 October. These fixtures will provide a crucial platform for the performance squad members to stake their claim for a permanent spot in the tournament lineup. For fans eager to follow the action, the Super League continues to broadcast its matches online, and tickets for upcoming games are available through official channels.
The latest league table, podcasts such as "The Bench" with Jenna and Jon, and other multimedia content are also accessible, offering a comprehensive view of the sport’s landscape. As the England side fine‑tunes its preparations, the inclusion of Hanley and Savala serves as a reminder that form, fitness, and determination remain the key criteria for selection, and that the final World Cup squad will be assembled from those who consistently deliver at the highest level.