England’s senior rugby league coach, Brian McDermott, has bolstered his performance group by bringing two standout club players into the fold as the nation prepares for the Rugby League World Cup scheduled for the autumn. The additions are Leigh Leopards centre Umyla Hanley and Sydney Roosters scrum‑half Hugo Savala, both of whom have enjoyed impressive seasons in their respective domestic competitions and have now earned a place in the extended England set‑up. Umyla Hanley, a dynamic back‑line player for the Leigh Leopards, has quickly re‑established himself after returning from a lengthy injury lay‑off in May.
Since his comeback, Hanley has been a catalyst for Leigh’s attacking prowess, crossing the try‑line six times and setting up a further ten scores. His contributions have helped Leigh secure victory in nine of the twelve matches he has featured in, a run that has seen the club climb the Super League table and generate considerable buzz among pundits. The centre’s performances were further recognised when he earned a spot in the Super League Dream Team for the 2025 season, underscoring his status as one of the competition’s elite players.
Across the globe, Hugo Savala has been making a name for himself in the National Rugby League (NRL) with the Sydney Roosters. The 24‑year‑old half‑back has been a key architect of the Roosters’ strong form this year, helping the club sit comfortably in second place on the ladder.
Savala’s attacking instincts have produced eight tries for the Roosters so far, and his playmaking abilities have drawn praise from coaches, commentators, and fans alike. Born in Randwick, a suburb of Sydney, Savala is a product of the Roosters’ development system and possesses a deep understanding of the club’s attacking philosophy.
Although Australian‑born, he qualifies for England through his mother, who was born in England, making him eligible to represent the Three Lions on the world stage. McDermott highlighted the rationale behind these selections in a recent press briefing. He explained that when the original 38‑player England Performance Group was announced, the coaching staff made it clear that the list was not final and that strong club form could still earn players a spot in the final World Cup squad.
"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," McDermott said. "Umyla and Hugo have done just that with their excellent form for Leigh Leopards and Sydney Roosters." The coach also emphasized the timing of these additions, noting that the season is entering its most demanding phase with regular‑season fixtures and finals looming. "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 underlines the importance of maintaining high performance levels right up to the World Cup selection deadline. England’s campaign in the upcoming tournament will commence less than two months from now, with a Group A clash against Tonga at HBF Park in Perth on Saturday, 17 October. The Lions will then travel to the same venue for a second group match against France on 24 October before concluding the group stage with a game against Papua New Guinea at WIN Stadium in Wollongong on Friday, 30 October. The squad will be a blend of seasoned internationals and emerging talent, featuring names such as Junior Nsemba, Ethan Havard, Luke Thompson, Sam Walters, Brad O'Neill, Jake Wardle, Harry Smith, Zach Eckersley, Kallum Watkins, Mikolaj Oledzki, Ash Handley, Jake Connor, Ben Currie, Danny Walker, George Williams, Matty Ashton, Kai Pearce‑Paul, Dean Hadley, Jez Litten, Mikey Lewis, Morgan Smithies, Jayden Brailey, Victor Radley, Billy Smith, Hugo Savala, AJ Brimson, Jack Welsby, Alex Walmsley, Daryl Clark, Harry Robertson, Morgan Knowles, Herbie Farnworth, Mike McMeeken, Caleb Hamlin‑Uele, Jake Trueman, Tom Johnstone, Max King, Ben Talty, Dominic Young and, of course, the newly added Umyla Hanley.
The inclusion of Hanley and Savala reflects a broader strategy by England’s coaching staff to inject fresh energy and diverse skill sets into the squad. Hanley brings a blend of power, speed, and defensive solidity from his Super League experience, while Savala adds a creative spark and tactical acumen honed in the fast‑paced NRL environment. Both players have demonstrated the ability to perform under pressure, a quality that will be essential as England aims to navigate the demanding schedule of the World Cup and contend for the title. Fans eager to follow the action can stream Super League matches online, purchase tickets for upcoming fixtures, and keep up with the latest league standings.
The Bench podcast, hosted by Jenna and Jon, offers in‑depth analysis and behind‑the‑scenes commentary, while a recommendation to use the Chrome browser ensures the best video playback experience for viewers. In summary, the strategic addition of Umyla Hanley and Hugo Savala to England’s performance squad underscores the national team’s commitment to fielding a competitive, well‑rounded side for the Rugby League World Cup. Their club form, combined with their eligibility and readiness to step up, makes them strong candidates to secure a place in the final tournament roster as England prepares to take on Tonga, France and Papua New Guinea in the opening stages of the competition.