England’s senior rugby league coach, Brian McDermott, has bolstered his performance group by adding two promising players ahead of the upcoming Rugby League World Cup slated for this autumn. The newcomers are Leigh Leopards centre Umyla Hanley and Sydney Roosters half‑back Hugo Savala, both of whom have impressed with their recent form in their respective club competitions. Umyla Hanley, who earned a place in the Super League Dream Team for the 2025 season, has been a key figure for the Leopards since returning from a lengthy injury lay‑off in May. In the twelve matches he has featured in since his comeback, Leigh have secured nine victories, a testament to the impact of his contributions.
Hanley has crossed the try‑line six times and set up another ten scores, showcasing a blend of finishing ability and play‑making flair that has made him a standout performer in the league. Equally impressive is 24‑year‑old Hugo Savala, the dynamic half‑back from the Sydney Roosters.
Savala has been a driving force behind the Roosters’ strong campaign this season, with the club currently perched in second place on the NRL ladder. The young play‑maker has not only orchestrated attacks but has also added eight tries of his own to the Roosters’ tally.
A product of the Roosters’ development system, Savala was born in Randwick, a suburb of Sydney, and qualifies for England through his mother, who was born in the United Kingdom. His dual heritage and rapid rise in the Australian competition have made him an intriguing option for the England side.
McDermott explained the rationale behind the selections, noting that the original 38‑player England Performance Group was intended as a provisional pool, with ample room for additional talent to earn a place based on merit. "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," the coach said. He continued, "Umyla and Hugo have done just that with their excellent form for Leigh Leopards and Sydney Roosters." The coach also highlighted the timing of the call‑ups, emphasizing that the season is entering its most demanding and competitive phase.
"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.
This statement underscores the importance of maintaining high performance levels through the remaining club fixtures, as they can directly influence final World Cup selections. 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 team 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.
These fixtures will provide a crucial platform for the newly added players to integrate with the squad and demonstrate their suitability for the tournament. The expanded squad also includes a host of other notable names from across the Super League and NRL, reflecting a blend of experience and youthful energy. Among the seasoned campaigners are Wigan Warriors stars Junior Nsemba, Ethan Havard, Luke Thompson, Sam Walters, Brad O'Neill, Jake Wardle, Harry Smith, and Zach Eckersley.
Leeds Rhinos contribute Kallum Watkins, Mikolaj Oledzki, Ash Handley, and Jake Connor. Warrington Wolves add Ben Currie, Danny Walker, George Williams, and Matty Ashton. Hull KR are represented by Kai Pearce‑Paul, Dean Hadley, Jez Litten, and Mikey Lewis.
From the NRL, Canberra Raiders forward Morgan Smithies and half‑back Jayden Brailey have been named, alongside Sydney Roosters duo Victor Radley, Billy Smith, and Hugo Savala. Additional selections include AJ Brimson (Gold Coast Titans), Jack Welsby, Alex Walmsley, Daryl Clark, Harry Robertson (St Helens), Morgan Knowles, 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 inclusion of Hanley and Savala not only adds depth to the England roster but also signals the coaching staff’s willingness to reward form and versatility.
Hanley’s ability to break the line and create scoring opportunities from the centre position offers England a potent attacking option, while Savala’s vision, kicking accuracy, and ability to dictate tempo from the halves could prove invaluable in tight international contests. Fans eager to follow the England squad’s progress can stream Super League matches, purchase tickets for upcoming fixtures, and keep up with the latest league standings. The Bench podcast, hosted by Jenna and Jon, provides additional analysis and insight into player performances and team strategies. For the best viewing experience, the league recommends using the Chrome browser to access its video player.
As the World Cup approaches, the England camp will continue to fine‑tune its combinations, assess player fitness, and finalize a squad capable of competing with the sport’s global powerhouses. The performances of Umyla Hanley and Hugo Savala in the coming weeks will be closely watched, and their inclusion reflects a broader strategy of blending domestic talent with overseas experience to create a balanced, competitive side for the tournament.