England’s senior rugby league coach, Brian McDermott, has bolstered his performance squad by adding two standout players: Leigh Leopards centre Umyla Hanley and Sydney Roosters scrum-half Hugo Savala. Their inclusion comes as the national side prepares for the Rugby League World Cup scheduled for the autumn months, and it reflects the coach’s commitment to rewarding form and fitness across both the Super League and the NRL. Umyla Hanley, a dynamic back‑line player for the Leigh Leopards, has been a revelation since returning from a serious injury in May.
The 2025 Super League Dream Team honoree has not only found the try‑line on six occasions but has also set up a further ten scores, a contribution that has helped Leigh secure nine victories out of the twelve matches in which he has taken the field. His blend of speed, agility and vision has made him a constant threat to opposition defences, and his ability to create opportunities for teammates has been highlighted by commentators throughout the season. The young centre’s resurgence has not gone unnoticed by the England set‑up, and McDermott’s decision to bring him into the performance group underscores the importance of current form when selecting the final World Cup roster.
Hugo Savala, the 24‑year‑old half‑back from the Sydney Roosters, has also earned his place in the squad through a series of impressive displays in the NRL. The Roosters currently sit second on the league ladder, and Savala has contributed eight tries of his own while orchestrating the attacking play for one of the competition’s most potent teams.
A product of the Roosters’ development system, Savala grew up in the Sydney suburb of Randwick and qualifies for England through his mother, who was born in the United Kingdom. His dual heritage has given him a unique perspective on the game, blending the high‑tempo, skill‑focused style of the Australian competition with an understanding of the English rugby league culture.
McDermott explained the rationale behind the late additions, stating, “When we announced the original 38‑player England Performance Group we made it clear that there would be further opportunities for players to earn their way in before the final World Cup squad is named. Umyla and Hugo have done exactly that with their excellent form for Leigh and the Roosters.” He added that the team is now entering the most demanding phase of the season, with regular fixtures and finals offering players a chance to cement their places. “It’s all to play for as we head into the final stretch of the domestic campaign and the build‑up to the World Cup,” the coach said. The decision to keep the performance group fluid reflects a broader strategy employed by England’s coaching staff.
By maintaining a core group of 38 players while allowing additional talent to join based on merit, the management can assess a larger pool of athletes under different conditions, such as high‑pressure matches and varied tactical setups. This approach also ensures that any injuries or dips in form among the original selections can be mitigated by ready‑made alternatives who have already proven themselves at a high level.
Beyond Hanley and Savala, the England men’s squad features a deep and varied roster drawn from clubs across the Super League and the NRL. Notable names include Junior Nsemba, Ethan Havard, Luke Thompson and Sam Walters, all of whom have earned regular caps at the senior level. The forward pack boasts experienced campaigners such as Brad O’Neill, Jake Wardle and Harry Smith, while the backline is reinforced by the likes of Zach Eckersley from Wigan Warriors, Kallum Watkins and Mikolaj Oledzki of Leeds Rhinos, and the versatile Ash Handley and Jake Connor. The inclusion of players from Australian clubs—Kai Pearce‑Paul (Wests Tigers), Victor Radley and Billy Smith (Sydney Roosters), and Dean Hadley (Canberra Raiders)—adds an international flavor and brings a wealth of experience from the Southern Hemisphere’s elite competition.
England’s World Cup campaign will kick off in less than two months, with a Group Stage match against Tonga on Saturday, 17 October, at HBF Park in Perth. The team will then travel to Perth again for a clash with France on 24 October before concluding the group phase against Papua New Guinea at WIN Stadium in Wollongong on Friday, 30 October. These fixtures will test the squad’s adaptability, as they will face opponents with differing playing styles—from the physical, hard‑hitting approach of the Pacific nations to the more structured, tactical game of the French side.
The performance group’s preparation will involve a combination of intensive training camps, video analysis sessions, and high‑intensity matches designed to simulate World Cup conditions. Coaches will focus on refining set‑piece execution, defensive structures, and attacking patterns, ensuring that each player understands their role within the broader game plan. For newcomers like Hanley and Savala, this period offers a vital opportunity to integrate with the existing core, build chemistry with teammates, and demonstrate their ability to perform under the heightened scrutiny of international competition. Off the field, the England Rugby League organization is also working to engage fans and promote the tournament through various channels.
Ticket sales for Super League matches are being heavily marketed, with special offers for early purchasers. The league’s official podcast, "The Bench," hosted by Jenna and Jon, provides weekly insights, player interviews, and tactical breakdowns, helping supporters stay informed about squad developments and match previews. Additionally, the league encourages fans to use the Chrome browser for an optimal video streaming experience, ensuring that the high‑quality broadcast of matches and related content remains accessible to a global audience.
In summary, the addition of Umyla Hanley and Hugo Savala to England’s performance squad highlights the coaching staff’s willingness to reward recent excellence and maintain a competitive environment up to the final selection deadline. Their recent achievements—Hanley’s try‑scoring spree and playmaking prowess for Leigh, and Savala’s dynamic leadership for the Roosters—make them strong candidates for the World Cup roster. As the team moves into the decisive phase of the season, every fixture will serve as a platform for players to prove their worth, with the ultimate goal of assembling a squad capable of challenging for the title in Perth, France and Wollongong.