England’s national rugby league side has bolstered its performance group with two promising players as the nation prepares for the upcoming Rugby League World Cup later this year. Head coach Brian McDermott announced that Leigh Leopards centre Umyla Hanley and Sydney Roosters halfback Hugo Savala have earned places in the squad, reflecting their standout displays in domestic competition and signalling the depth of talent available for the final tournament roster. Umyla Hanley, a dynamic backline player for the Leigh Leopards, has been a key contributor since returning from a lengthy injury lay‑off in May. In the short period since his comeback he has crossed the try‑line six times and has set up an additional ten scores, helping Leigh secure nine victories out of the twelve matches in which he has taken the field.
His performances were recognised at the end of the 2025 Super League season when he was selected for the prestigious Super League Dream Team, an accolade reserved for the league’s elite players. Hanley’s blend of speed, agility and vision makes him a natural fit for the England set‑up, and his recent form has convinced McDermidd that he can add a fresh attacking edge to the national side. The second addition, Hugo Savala, has been making waves in the Australian National Rugby League (NRL) with the Sydney Roosters. At just 24 years old, Savala has already amassed eight tries in a season that has seen the Roosters sit comfortably in second place on the NRL ladder.
A product of the Roosters’ development system, he grew up in the Sydney suburb of Randwick and qualifies for England through his mother, who was born in the United Kingdom. Savala’s skill set as a halfback – including crisp passing, strategic kicking and an innate sense of game management – has earned him widespread praise from commentators and peers alike. His inclusion in the England performance group underscores the coaching staff’s willingness to look beyond the domestic league for talent that can thrive on the world stage. McDermott explained the rationale behind the selections, noting that the original 38‑player Performance Group was always intended to be a fluid pool from which the final World Cup squad would emerge.
"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. "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." The timing of these additions is crucial. England’s World Cup campaign kicks off in less than two months, with the opening match against Tonga scheduled for Saturday, 17 October, at HBF Park in Perth.
The team will then travel to face France on 24 October, also in Perth, before concluding the group stage against Papua New Guinea at WIN Stadium in Wollongong on Friday, 30 October. The intensity of this schedule means that depth and versatility will be vital, and the coaching staff is keen to ensure that every player in the performance group is ready to step up if called upon.
Beyond Hanley and Savala, the England roster already features a blend of seasoned veterans and emerging stars from both the Super League and the NRL. Notable names include Junior Nsemba, Ethan Havard, Luke Thompson and Sam Walters from the Wigan Warriors, as well as a strong contingent from the Leeds Rhinos such as Kallum Watkins, Mikolaj Oledzki and Ash Handley. The Warrington Wolves contribute Ben Currie, Danny Walker, George Williams and Matty Ashton, while Hull KR adds Kai Pearce‑Paul, Dean Hadley, Jez Litten and Mikey Lewis.
From the Australian clubs, the squad draws talent like Morgan Smithies and Jayden Brailey from the Canberra Raiders, Victor Radley, Billy Smith and Hugo Savala from the Sydney Roosters, and AJ Brimson from the Gold Coast Titans. The St Helens squad is represented by Jack Welsby, Alex Walmsley, Daryl Clark and Harry Robertson, and the Dolphins provide Morgan Knowles and Herbie Farnworth. The inclusion of players from both hemispheres reflects the modern, global nature of rugby league, where the best talent is spread across multiple competitions. It also presents a logistical challenge for the coaching staff, who must integrate different playing styles, conditioning regimes and tactical philosophies into a cohesive unit.
To address this, England has scheduled a series of training camps and friendly fixtures in the weeks leading up to the tournament, allowing the squad to gel under McDermott’s guidance. Fans can follow the build‑up to the World Cup through various media channels. Super League matches are streamed online, and tickets for upcoming games are available through official ticketing partners.
The latest Super League table, as well as podcasts such as "The Bench" with Jenna and Jon, provide ongoing analysis and insight into player form and team strategy. For the best viewing experience, users are encouraged to use the Chrome browser, which offers a more accessible video player for streaming content.
In summary, the addition of Umyla Hanley and Hugo Savala to England’s performance squad underscores the depth of talent the nation possesses and highlights the merit‑based approach of coach Brian McDermott. Their recent achievements at club level, combined with their eligibility and readiness to compete internationally, make them strong candidates for the final World Cup roster. As the tournament approaches, England will continue to fine‑tune its squad, ensuring that every player is prepared to contribute to what promises to be an exciting and competitive campaign on the world stage.