Jake Connor, the high‑profile playmaker from Leeds Rhinos, has surprisingly been excluded from the 23‑man England roster that will compete in the upcoming Rugby League World Cup. The decision, announced by head coach Brian McDermott, has sparked considerable debate among fans and pundits alike, especially given Connor’s standout performances in the Super League over the past season.
The World Cup, scheduled to take place across Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea during October and November, will see England aiming to improve on previous campaigns that have often ended in disappointment. Connor’s omission is particularly striking because he finished the last Super League season at the top of the assist charts, registering an impressive 43 assists – a statistic that underscores his ability to create scoring opportunities for his teammates. Connor, who was awarded the prestigious Man of Steel title last year, has already experienced a painful exclusion from international duty. He was left out of Shaun Wane’s squad for the 2023 home Ashes series against Australia, a series that England ultimately lost 3‑0.
That decision was widely criticised at the time, and many felt that the omission was more about off‑field narratives than on‑field merit. The controversy resurfaced when McDermott, who succeeded Wane earlier this year, announced his own squad for the World Cup. In April, McDermott publicly defended Connor, arguing that the media had unfairly painted him in a negative light. He said, “I think the rhetoric and the narrative around Jake was tremendously unfair.
I understand where Jake Connor comes from in that he's liked by some and disliked by others. OK, that comes in the nature of the game.
We could sit around a table and debate whether he's a nice person or not. I just don't think that's a fair narrative to be made public and that was the rhetoric around him. What nobody can argue is that he's a tremendous player. He's a fantastic player.
He's a game‑breaker.” These comments highlight the tension between a player’s on‑field contributions and the perception of his character within the broader rugby league community. The final squad will be revealed on Monday, and early indications suggest that Hull KR’s dynamic fullback Mikey Lewis is likely to be selected in place of Connor.
Lewis has impressed with his speed, defensive work‑rate, and ability to finish scoring chances, making him a logical alternative for the coaching staff. England’s World Cup campaign will kick off on 17 October with a match against Tonga in Perth. The schedule also includes fixtures against France and the host nation Papua New Guinea, providing a mixture of challenging opponents and opportunities for the team to showcase its depth.
Historically, England has reached the final on three occasions – in 1975, 1995 and 2017 – but has never secured the title. The most recent World Cup, held on home soil in 2021, saw England advance to the semi‑finals before being knocked out by Samoa. The decision to leave Connor out of the squad raises several questions about selection criteria and the balance between form, experience, and team dynamics. On one hand, his statistical output – leading the league in assists and earning the Man of Steel award – suggests he is among the elite playmakers in the competition.
On the other hand, the coaching staff may be weighing factors such as defensive consistency, discipline, and the ability to fit within the specific game plan McDermott intends to implement. Beyond the immediate impact on the squad, Connor’s exclusion could have broader implications for his career trajectory. Being left out of a major international tournament can affect a player’s market value, endorsement opportunities, and even future contract negotiations.
However, it may also serve as motivation for Connor to return to club form and prove his worth at the highest level. Leeds Rhinos will likely rely heavily on his experience and playmaking skills throughout the Super League season, and a strong domestic performance could reignite calls for his inclusion in future England squads. For England fans, the upcoming World Cup remains a chance to finally capture the coveted trophy.
The team will need to blend seasoned veterans with emerging talents, maintain a cohesive defensive structure, and execute a fluid attacking style. Whether the omission of a player of Connor’s calibre proves to be a strategic masterstroke or a miscalculation will only become clear as the tournament unfolds.
In summary, Jake Connor’s surprise omission from the England World Cup squad underscores the complex interplay of performance metrics, media narratives, and coaching philosophy that shapes international rugby league selections. While his club form has been exemplary, the decision reflects a broader strategic vision that the coaching staff believes will give England the best chance of success on the world stage. The final squad announcement, expected shortly, will reveal whether the coaching staff’s gamble pays off as England embarks on its quest for the ultimate rugby league prize.