England’s senior rugby league coach, Brian McDermott, has bolstered his performance squad by bringing two in‑form players into the fold as the nation prepares for the upcoming Rugby League World Cup later this year. The additions are Leigh Leopards centre Umyla Hanley and Sydney Roosters half‑back Hugo Savala, both of whom have demonstrated the kind of consistency and impact that could earn them a place in the final World Cup roster. Umyla Hanley, a dynamic back‑line player for the Leigh Leopards, has enjoyed a standout season following his return from a lengthy injury lay‑off in May. Since re‑joining the squad, Hanley has crossed the try‑line six times and set up a further ten tries for his teammates.
His contributions have been pivotal in Leigh’s impressive run, with the club winning nine of the twelve matches in which he has featured. The centre’s performances have not gone unnoticed; he was selected for the Super League Dream Team for the 2025 season, a testament to his skill, work ethic, and ability to influence games at the highest domestic level. Across the globe in Australia, Hugo Savala has been making waves for the Sydney Roosters. The 24‑year‑old half‑back has been a key figure in a Roosters side that currently sits second on the NRL ladder.
Savala’s playmaking prowess has been evident in his eight tries scored this season, as well as his ability to organise the attack, manage the tempo of the game, and provide a reliable kicking option. Born in the Sydney suburb of Randwick, Savala qualifies for England through his mother, who was born in England, making him eligible to represent the Three Lions on the international stage. McDermott explained the rationale behind the late additions, noting that the original 38‑player Performance Group was intended to be a flexible pool from which the final World Cup squad would be drawn. "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." The coach 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 perform at a high level can still force their way into the final reckoning. "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. England’s World Cup campaign kicks off in less than two months, with the opening match scheduled against Tonga on Saturday, 17 October, at HBF Park in Perth.
The Lions will then 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. The squad’s depth will be crucial, as the tournament format demands both stamina and adaptability across a range of opponents and playing conditions.
The expanded squad now includes a blend of seasoned internationals and emerging talents from across the Super League and the NRL. Among the veterans are Junior Nsemba, Ethan Havard, Luke Thompson, Sam Walters, Brad O'Neill, Jake Wardle, Harry Smith, and Zach Eckersley, all representing the Wigan Warriors. From Leeds Rhinos, the likes of Kallum Watkins, Mikolaj Oledzki, Ash Handley, and Jake Connor are in contention. Warrington Wolves contribute Ben Currie, Danny Walker, George Williams, and Matty Ashton, while the Hull KR contingent features Kai Pearce‑Paul, Dean Hadley, Jez Litten, and Mikey Lewis.
From the Australian clubs, the roster boasts players such as Morgan Smithies and Jayden Brailey from the Canberra Raiders, Victor Radley, Billy Smith, and Hugo Savala from the Sydney Roosters, AJ Brimson from the Gold Coast Titans, Jack Welsby, Alex Walmsley, Daryl Clark, and Harry Robertson from St Helens, as well as Morgan Knowles and Herbie Farnworth from the Dolphins. Wakefield contributes Mike McMeeken, Caleb Hamlin‑Uele, Jake Trueman, and Tom Johnstone, while the Canterbury Bulldogs send Max King, the Brisbane Broncos send Ben Talty, and the Newcastle Knights send Dominic Young. Completing the list is Umyla Hanley of the Leigh Leopards, whose inclusion underscores the importance of domestic league performance in earning international recognition.
The selection process reflects England’s strategic aim to blend experience with youthful exuberance, ensuring that the squad possesses both the tactical nous required for high‑pressure matches and the raw athleticism to compete against the world’s best. By integrating players like Hanley and Savala, who have proven themselves in the demanding environments of the Super League and NRL respectively, the coaching staff hopes to add versatility to the back‑line and creativity to the halves. Beyond the on‑field considerations, the expanded squad offers depth in case of injuries, which are an inevitable part of a grueling tournament schedule.
The World Cup will see teams travel across multiple venues in Australia, contend with varying climates, and adjust to different playing surfaces. Having a broader pool of match‑fit players ready to step in at a moment’s notice is a prudent move by McDermott and his staff. Fans can follow England’s journey through a range of media outlets. Super League matches are streamed live, and ticket information for upcoming fixtures is readily available online.
The latest Super League table provides context on the domestic form of many of the selected players, while podcasts such as "The Bench" with Jenna and Jon offer in‑depth analysis and commentary. For the best viewing experience, the league recommends using the Chrome browser to access a more accessible video player.
In summary, the inclusion of Umyla Hanley and Hugo Savala in England’s performance squad underscores the coach’s commitment to rewarding form and merit. As the World Cup approaches, the squad’s composition will continue to evolve, but the core message remains clear: consistent performance at club level can open doors to the international stage, and the competition for places will be fierce right up until the final squad is announced.